Separation and divorce - involvement of children in counseling
When parents separate, it is important to listen to the wishes of the children and young people, to involve them in the counseling according to their age and to leave the decisions to the parents.
The aim of child participation is to talk with the children and not about them. The children concerned are thus given the space to communicate with adults who listen attentively and to feel that their needs are taken seriously.
Details
Children are involved by means of child interviews or visualization 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 meetings 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.
- The parents show a willingness to participate in the process in a reserved and child-oriented manner. They want to know 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 rethink their own views.
- Any form of violence, alcohol or substance abuse is a criterion for excluding children and young people from this form of participation.
- A recommendation can only ever be made with regard to the participation of children. The choice of method is the responsibility of the counseling center staff.
The counseling services are free of charge and confidential and are aimed at parents, children and adolescents residing in Jena.
Rechtsgrundlagen
- § 17 Social Code VIII
- Convention on the Rights of the Child in Article 12
Sprechzeiten
Advice is given by appointment. Appointments are best made by telephone or e-mail. The family counseling service offers an open consultation hour on Tuesdays from 08:00 to 10:00, during which counseling is possible without an appointment.
As a rule, the family counseling service is also available from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 and 12:00 on the telephone number 0049 3641 49-2833.
An answering machine is available during consultation hours.