PROGRAMMED CHILD & YOUTH COUNSELLING FOR COURT-INVOLVED FAMILIES

Children and youth involved in a separation, divorce, or other family conflict are often unintentionally (or intentionally) caught in the middle of the disputes of their parents, guardians, and/or extended family members. Supporting them in navigating their changing family dynamic and in managing their own emotions and feelings during this time is critical, but many counsellors are either untrained or understandably reluctant to engage with court-involved families for fear of reprisal or being “dragged in” to the conflict themselves, even if protections are in place for them such as court orders, the appointment of a Parenting Coordinator, or a clear scope of work/service outlined by the parties’ legal counsel.

For the purposes of defining what a “court-involved family” is, these are services for adults, children, youth, partners and families involved in previous,
active, or future litigation, have legal representation, receive services from a Parenting Coordinator, and/or have been directed to receive service by the court(s) and/or as part of mediation/arbitration.

With over three decades of experience providing specialized counselling services and working with high-conflict families, as well as an extensive background in child protection, we understands the complexities of these family dynamics. We offer a child-centred approach that allows children and youth to receive the support they need at the time they need it, while also offering a customized approach to meet the unique needs of each family and is highly in-tune with the nature of working with clients in this area of service. Counselling support for children and/or youth in this capacity first begins with individual parent intake sessions, followed by individual sessions with the child(ren) and/or youth, with information sessions for the parents/guardians at the middle and end-points of the first grouping of sessions to assist separated or divorced parents and new partners/spouses (if applicable) in ensuring the tools and skills learned in the sessions with the children or youth are supported in each respective home.

Prior to commencing counselling services, the parties must approve a formal estimate and both complete the intake form, sign a Professional Services Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement, and provide the required deposit or their respective portion(s) of the deposit. Sample agreements the parties would be expected to sign are available on the Resources page of this site. Please note that payment of a deposit in-full is required prior to service commencing, and any balances owing upon completion must be remitted prior to deliverables being provided.

PROCESS

STEP ONE

Upon completion of the intake process (intake form, signed agreements, and deposit paid), each parent/guardian will be contacted by e-mail and provided with the date and time that has been scheduled for their Parent Intake Phone Call. This is typically provided up to two (2) weeks in advance and based on the availability each parent/guardian provided in their intake form. If one parent/guardian declines to participate or does not make themselves available, in order to ensure equal participation and fairness, neither parent will have an Intake Phone Call. Appointments are assigned in close proximity to one another to ensure consistency and clarity and avoid long gaps of time where further issues may arise, so that any reporting is captured “point in time”. It is also to facilitate scheduling and timely completion of future steps in the process. It is imperative that parents/guardians/children make the necessary arrangements to their schedules, treating these appointments like a medical appointment or professional obligation, which may necessitate taking time from work or school to attend.

STEP TWO

Intake Phone Calls with Parents/Guardians (up to 45 minutes)

(there is no preparation required for these phone calls, though both parents/guardians should expect to have child(ren)’s counselling session dates that take place during their parenting time, if applicable, scheduled at that time)

STEP THREE

SESSIONS TAKE PLACE EVERY TWO (2) WEEKS

Counselling Sessions with Child(ren) (up to 1 hour) – 3 sessions each

(depending on the age and developmental stage of the child(ren), these may take place in-person or virtually – virtual meeting room links will be provided to you in advance)

STEP FOUR

SESSION TAKES PLACE AFTER THE THIRD SESSION WITH THE CHILD(REN)

Parent Information Session with Parent/Guardian – Individual or Joint (up to 1 hour)

(there is no preparation required for these, and they will take place virtually – virtual meeting room links will be provided to you in advance)

STEP FIVE

SESSIONS TAKE PLACE EVERY TWO (2) WEEKS

Counselling Sessions with Child(ren) (up to 1 hour) – 3 sessions each

(depending on the age and developmental stage of the child(ren), these may take place in-person or virtually – virtual meeting room links will be provided to you in advance)

STEP SIX

SESSION TAKES PLACE AFTER THE SIXTH & FINAL SESSION WITH THE CHILD(REN)

Parent Information Session with Parent/Guardian – Individual or Joint (up to 1 hour)

(there is no preparation required for these, and they will take place virtually – virtual meeting room links will be provided to you in advance)

STEP SEVEN

DEPENDING ON PROGRESS, FAMILIES MAY WISH TO CONTINUE IN THAT SERVICE MODEL, ENGAGE IN ALTERNATE, TARGETED PROGRAMMING OFFERED WITHIN OUR CLINICAL PRACTICE, OR ACCESS SUPPORT/SCHEDULE FURTHER SESSIONS ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS.