The University of Vermont

Cultivating Healthy Communities - Extension

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Separation and Divorce

The process of divorce and other family changes are difficult for both children and adults. How the parents handle the changes makes a big difference for everyone, especially the children. To ease these changes to the family unit, family court judges require parents of minors who are involved in divorce, establishment of parentage, legal separation, dissolution of civil unions, and changes in parental rights and responsibilities to attend the four hour COPE Seminar.

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Separation and divorce
  • Coping with Separation and Divorce program: A Parenting Seminar (COPE) focuses on children's needs and teaches parenting skills to support parents in lessening the impact of changes on their children. The University of Vermont Extension provides training and materials to professionals throughout the state to conduct the classes at local Family Courts. Note: A collaborative program of UVM Extension and Vermont Family Court.

Topics include:

  • How families experience divorce and other family transitions.
  • Typical reactions of children.
  • Development needs of children.
  • Skills that help children cope.
  • Pitfalls to avoid.

How to attend this program

  • Registration
  • Schedule
  • Handbook (PDF) 56 pages. Contents: Part 1 - Understanding separation, dissolution, and divorce from your child's point of view, Part 2 - Communicating with your child and with your child's other parent, Part 3 - Restructuring your family, Parts 4 and 5 - Resources for you and Seminar notes.
  • Evaluation (PDF)

Last modified October 23 2009 08:48 AM

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