For the Sake of the Children

A Supportive Information Program for Parents Experiencing Separation and Divorce.

Separation and divorce can be a time of pain, confusion and sorrow for all involved. Both adults and children may experience a great sense of loss and often need assistance in coping with all the changes that accompany separation.

For the Sake of the Children is designed to provide the type of information parents need:

• To understand what they are going through, both legally and emotionally; and
• To help them cope with and adjust to separation, so they can in turn help their children adjust.

Separation is an adult issue. Children do not make the decision to separate, yet they are greatly affected by that decision. The effect of separation on children largely depends on how parents manage their post-separation relationships.

Separation and divorce are difficult; however, neither adults nor children have to be "destroyed" by the separation process. Research and experience show that it is parental conflict which causes the most harm to children, not the separation itself. For the Sake of the Children looks at ways to reduce the conflict between parents and the stress they experience. It focuses on helping parents help their children.

For the Sake of the Children is a six hour program divided into two seminars of three hours each.

The first seminar focuses on:

• adults' experience of separation- types, stages and reactions;
• children's experience of separation- types, stages and reactions;
• children's needs at different ages;
• parenting plans;
• economic issues;
• legal issues;
• alternatives to Court;
• reorganizing; and
• the costs of conflict/the benefits of keeping conflict low.

The second seminar focuses on:

• effects of conflict on children;
• communication with the child's other parent;
• communication with your child; and
• new partner issues.

Following separation, different families have different needs where communication between parents is concerned. To address these differences, two program options are offered in the second seminar. One is designed to assist in situations where there are lower levels of conflict between parents. The other is for situations where the level of conflict between parents is higher. For the Sake of the Children program staff can help you decide which option could be most beneficial for your situation.

These seminars are presented by Family Conciliation staff who specialize in issues of separation and divorce. Program participants will also view videos and will receive a package of written materials.

For the Sake of the Children would benefit adults experiencing separation and divorce, where children are involved. Both parents are encouraged to participate and will be registered to attend separate sessions. This program is also open to other interested individuals.

How to register

To register for a seminar in Winnipeg, please call

For the Sake of the Children
945-4257
Toll-free at 1-800-282-8069 extension 4257
(available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

To register for a seminar outside Winnipeg, please call the Family Conciliation branch nearest you:

Brandon	(204) 726-6336 Toll-free 1-800-230-1885
Dauphin	(204) 622-2318
Flin Flon	(204) 687-1730
The Pas	(204) 627-8221
Thompson	(204) 677-6570

A CD-ROM and legal information video of Part A are also available. Please contact your nearest office for details.

Participants may be asked to help us evaluate this program by completing a questionnaire. This feedback is important and will assist in future programs for parents.

For the Sake of the Children is a cooperative project of Family Conciliation, Manitoba Family Services and Housing, and Manitoba Justice, with the support of The Court of Queen's Bench Manitoba, Family Division. Funding assistance for this project has been provided by the Federal Department of Justice.

For more information, phone or write:

Family Conciliation
2nd Floor - 379 Broadway
Winnipeg MB R3C 0T9
Telephone: (204) 945-7236
Toll-free: 1-800-282-8069