Separation and divorce - participation of children in the context of counselling

The participation of the children takes place by means of child interviews or by visualizing work with children in the presence of their parents.

Access requirements

• Both parents agree to the participation of their children. They attend one or more interviews together or individually to prepare for participation.
• The children are involved according to their age and stage of development, from the age of 3 at the earliest.
• If the children refuse contact / participation, this reluctance is respected.
• Parents show a willingness to participate in the process in a restrained and child-centred way. They want to hear what their children have to say and how their children are doing.
• The parents want to reflect on their children's ideas and wishes at a subsequent joint meeting. They are willing to reconsider their own views.
• Any form of violence, alcohol or substance abuse is an exclusion criterion for this form of participation of children and young people.
• A recommendation can only ever be made with regard to the participation of children. The choice of method is the responsibility of the counselling centre staff.

The counselling services are free of charge and confidential and are aimed at parents, children and adolescents residing in Jena.

• § 17 Social Code VIII
• Convention on the Rights of the Child in Article 12