News and Events

2005 Media Releases

New guide to parenting after separation - Because it’s for the Kids

A new booklet to help couples in conflict build a better parenting base for their children after separation will be launched by Pru Goward, Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner and former head of the Office of the Status of Women.

The launch will be held on Wednesday, 9 February, at 6 pm at the 9th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne Exhibition Centre (south side of the Yarra).

The book, ‘Because it’s for the Kids: Building a Secure Base for Parenting After Separation’, has been written by child psychologist, Dr Jennifer McIntosh, senior consultant to the ‘Children in Focus’ program.

Dr McIntosh points to international research and her own Australian data that says one in four children from separated families suffers from poor mental health. ‘That’s a lot more than “normal”. Separation doesn’t cause this. Long, bitter, unresolved conflict does. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to family conflict and being looked after by overwhelmed parents.’

The book, funded by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, and published by Children in Focus, is based on recognition that it is not the changes in family structures that are critical to the welfare of each child, but the way parents conduct themselves during and after separation.

Dr McIntosh says: ‘With the right support, most parents can find a way to build a secure base for their children after separation. That’s good for parents – and vital for their kids. The book is a guide to help parents achieve this’.

‘Some parents focus on how much time they will each get with the children. From the children’s point of view, it’s much more important to work out what kind of support they need from each parent.’

‘Children in Focus’, supported by funding from the Federal Attorney General’s Department, is based at La Trobe University’s Australian Institute for Primary Care, in the Faculty of Health Sciences on the University’s main Melbourne campus at Bundoora.

The program has led research over a number of years to help professionals work more effectively with separating couples in high conflict, designing effective child-centred mediation programs and promoting their use over family court litigation.

‘Children in Focus’ is co-directed by Dr McIntosh, a psychologist, researcher and associate senior lecturer at La Trobe and Melbourne Universities. Dr McIntosh is known for her passionate articulation of the experience of children in traumatic family circumstances, and advocacy for children’s psychological safety. She also directs Family Transitions, a Melbourne based psychology clinic for family based trauma, and Family Law Mediation.

Dr Lawrie Moloney, Director of La Trobe University's Department of Counselling and Psychological Health, is a co-director to the program. Dr Moloney has ten years experience as Director of the Family Court Counselling Service and a strong interest in child-related issues in family law.

The program is managed by Associate Professor Peter Foreman, Director of the Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University.

For additional background on 'Children in Focus' and for details of where to obtain copies of 'Because it's for the Kids', see www.childreninfocus.org or call Francesca Gerner on 0408 692 465.

For interviews or further information, please contact Dr McIntosh, tel: 03 9347 2434; email: enquiries@familytransitions.com.au, the Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University, Tel: (03) 9479 3700 or Public Affairs Office, Tel: (03) 9479 2316.