Child Specialist in Collaborative Practice

When parents are seeking a collaborative divorce (rather than a divorce litigated in court), the Child Specialist takes a neutral role during and sometimes after the divorce.  Although Child Specialists are licensed mental health professionals, they do not provide therapy during the divorce. Instead, the Child Specialist educates and consults with both parents about:

• the effects of divorce on children.
• what factors are linked to positive and negative effects on children.
• the development of a parenting plan specifically tailored to the needs of each family and their children.

The Child Specialists meet with the children, the parents and, with parental consent, sometimes others involved with a child’s life, such as teachers and extended family members. Also, she consults with the Collaborative Team, including the attorneys, coaches and financial specialists.
Child Specialists are different from mediators because they work with the Collaborative Divorce team, not only with the parents.