Support groups for children of divorce

The value of group work for divorcing families has been documented. In particular, research has shown that support groups for children of divorce may serve an important function in lessening the negative effects of divorce processes on children. At the same time, there are few published protocols as to how to populate and organize these groups. This article describes the model for these groups developed at the Marriage Council of Philadelphia. Details about group organization are given, as is illustrative case material and typical concerns group members work with throughout the life of the group. Reported effects of support group involvement are summarized, and concluding attention is paid to the need to look at ways of intervening in the larger context of the postseparation/divorce process.