Domestic Relations Workshop Focuses on Children After Parents Divorce
Internationally Known Child Psychologist Leads Discussion
Dr. JoAnne Pedro Carroll.
Dr. JoAnne Pedro Carroll.
With between 40 to 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce across the country, its effect on children can be substantial. To help cultivate ideas on limiting potential harm, the Ohio Supreme Court’s Children and Families Section hosted a program titled: Fostering Resilience in Children After Divorce; Children’s Education Programs, as part of a post-Domestic Relations Summit Education workshop.
The seminar featured internationally known child psychologist Dr. JoAnne Pedro Carroll, who on November 6 discussed effective education and group support for children whose parents have divorced or separated with about 60 judges, magistrates, and other court and mental health staff members at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.
Dr. Carroll, who has more than 30 years of experience working with children and understanding their reactions to divorce and separation, spoke on several topics including effective education and group support for children; effective communication and strategies for group facilitation, tailoring programs for courts needs and resources; and forming collaborative partnerships between courts and mental health facilities.
“Ohio courts are at the forefront nationally in the commitment to innovative programs and practice,” Dr. Carroll said. “Keeping children's well-being a top priority can have a positive impact now, and for future generations of children and families in Ohio.”
Children and Families Section Manager Stephanie Nelson said the workshop helped create ideas for a program tailored just for children.
“Dr. Carroll presented research and strategies that can be used to develop, implement, or enhance children's education programs to reduce children's stress and promote resilience in children of separating parents,” Nelson said.
Five panel members from Marion, Medina, and Henry counties weighed in at the workshop. Marion County Family Court Judge Deborah Alspach; Kathy Clark, PhD, LISW-S, Marion County Family Court; Medina County Domestic Relations Court Magistrate John Mascolo; Barbara G. Hofelich, LISW-S, Solutions Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. in Medina; and Tara Buehrer, Center for Child and Family Advocacy in Henry County discussed how children’s education programs in their communities are making a difference.
Nelson said the information from the seminar can also be used to improve parent’s education programs for separating parents and help assist with parent and children communication.