Parenting Coordination is a child-centered process for conflicted divorced and divorcing parents. The Parenting Coordinator (PC) makes decisions to help high-conflict parents who cannot agree to parenting decisions on their own. This professional text serves as a training manual for use in all states and provinces which utilize Parenting Coordination, addressing the intervention process and the science that supports it.

The text offers up-to-date research, a practical guide for training, service provision, and references to relevant research for quality parenting coordination practice. Specifically, this book describes the integrated model of Parenting Coordination, including the Parent Coordinator's professional role, responsibilities, protocol for service, and ethical guidelines.

Contents

Introduction

A. Divorce Resolution in U.S.
B. Evolution of Parenting Coordination
C. Benefits for Parents, Children, Courts and Society

Chapter One: Parenting Coordination: An Integrated Model

A. A Brief History
B. Therapeutic Skills
C. Evaluator Skills
D. Mediator Skills
E. Educator Skills
F. Consultant Skills
G. Integration of Hybrid Role

Chapter Two: Parenting Coordination Procedures

A. When Does a PC Become Involved with a Family?
B. How Does a PC Become Involved with a Family?
C. Direction & Authority - The Court Order
D. Contract with Parties
E. Data Gathering
F. Appointments
G. Communication
H. Documentation

Chapter Three: Organizing the PC Work

A. Screening Procedures
B. Overt Sources of Conflict
C. Covert Sources of Conflict
D. Identifying Parent Interaction Style
E. Building a Support Team for the Family

Chapter Four: Conflict Analysis, Identification, and Management (AIM)

A. History of Conflict
B. Analysis of Conflict
C. Identifying Types of Conflict
D. Intractable Conflict and Underlying Causes
E. Conflict Management Styles

Chapter Five: PC Strategies

A. Formulating an Effective Approach
B. Focus on the Goal
C. Creating an Infrastructure of Empowerment
D. Building Scaffolding for Healthy Children & Families

Chapter Six: PC Techniques

A. Interventions in PC
B. Changing the Frame of the Conflict
C. Options for Conflict Management
D. When Negotiation and Compromise are not the Solution

Chapter Seven: The Parenting Plan (PP)

A. Definition
B. What should it include?
C. Anticipating and Preparing for change
a. Developmental Needs of Children
b. Evolving Family Definition
c. Unanticipated Exigencies
d. PC's Role in Modification of the PP

Chapter Eight: Special Topics

A. Parental Alienation, Estrangement, and Disengagement
B. Attachment Issues
C. Mentally Ill Parents
D. Addicted Parents
E. Domestic Violence
F. Abusive Parents

Chapter Nine: Troubleshooting

A. When PC is No Longer Effective or Appropriate
B. Protection for All
C. Monitoring Professional Boundaries and Well-Being
D. Ethical Dilemmas

Appendices

Sample Orders
Sample Parenting Plans
Training Guidelines
Standards of Practice
Ethical Guidelines

Tables

Sample PC Statues
PC Programs in the U.S. and other countries

Resources

Bibliography
Useful Websites

Authors

Debra Carter, PhD is the co-founder and clinical director of the National Cooperative Parenting Center in Bradenton, FL. She also owns and operates a clinical and forensic psychology practice at the Carter Psychology Center, where she offers psychotherapy, evaluation, mediation, and parenting coordination services.

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