The Resource Center for Separating and Divorcing Families: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on A Collaborative and Child-Focused Approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Published in: Family court review Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 7 - 22
• Main Authors: Taylor, Melinda, Harper, Stacy, Jurecko, Lori, Melowsky, Julie, Towler, Chelsea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution; and Uncoupling; Children of Divorce; Colleges & universities; Divorce; Families & family life; Family Law; Mediation; Separation; Teaching methods; Therapeutic Services; United States > US
• ISSN: 1531-2445; 1744-1617
• DOI: 10.1111/fcre.12127

The Resource Center for Separating and Divorcing Families (RCSDF) is a teaching model for providing interdisciplinary services to separating and divorcing families. The model was developed by the Honoring Families Initiative at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System at the University of Denver. Services are provided by graduate and law students at the University of Denver, working side‐by‐side with a supervising licensed attorney, psychologist, and social worker. The experiential and interdisciplinary model of teaching and providing direct client services is the first of its kind in the United States. RCSDF students and staff seek to empower parents to make positive decisions about their family's future in a supportive and educational environment. Key Points for the Family Court Community The current system of preparing graduate and law students for careers in family law is in need of improvement. This article provides information for educators and the family law community about the impact of interdisciplinary and experiential learning for students. Parents going through the transition of separation or divorce experience psychological and financial stressors that can create serious behavioral and adjustment issues for their children. The RCSDF works in a holistic manner with parents and children to minimize the levels of stress and anxiety during the transition.