The Issues

Children’s exposure to the high-conflict breakup of their fundamental family unit often has the potential to result in traumatic social and psychological effects that inhibit healthy development.

When children are caught in the middle of high conflict situations and not provided the proper support during this process, they are more likely to suffer long-term effects, including higher rates of juvenile delinquency, drug use, teen pregnancy, personal divorces and lower rates of educational achievement.  These issues can be attributed to problems stemming from “continued problems in parent-child relationships and ongoing parental conflict,” coupled with the economic and social instability following the family break up (Emery 2004). These long-term ramifications are a legitimate concern for wellbeing of the child, parents and community in general.