The health and well-being of children and youth in care is the shared responsibility of many community partners. In addition to family and community involvement, two significant means of support for children and youth in care are the education system and the child welfare system. The Ministry of Education (EDUC), through public and independent…

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Ministry of Education (MEd), in consultation with regional representatives and public and independent school representatives, created these cross-ministry guidelines to improve information sharing, strengthen practice and joint planning, and promote effective communication among…

Describes changing patterns of child custody, giving specific attention to the option of joint custody, parental satisfaction, children's adjustment, the importance of parental cooperation, and the role of the teacher in helping children of divorced parents. (RH)

Parental kidnapping could lead to a lawsuit against the school or principal. After general building security, schools need to check on custody status, network with the courts, and convince both custodial and noncustodial parents that schools are on the children's side. A summary provides 14 steps to safeguard against parental kidnapping. (MLF)

Regardless of custody arrangements, what seems to matter for children is the quality of family functioning. Types of custody arrangements are defined, and the effects of joint custody on parents and children are discussed. Children's developmental needs are considered, and issues for parents and counselors to consider are explored. (EMK)

In cases of marital separation, educators should determine a person's entitlement to a child before giving out information about the child. Courts may have denied a parent access to a child or, in the case of domestic violence, criminal charges may be involved. Educators should avoid giving evidence, but should cooperate with court-appointed…

Emphasizing the shortcomings of family law and their impact on divorced families and children, this report discusses a variety of topics related to divorce. Topics covered in the report include the following: (1) divorce statistics; (2) methods of resolving family disputes; (3) the marital contract; (4) the public's image of divorced fathers; (5)…

This handbook was written for parents, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and government officials who deal directly with cases of parental kidnapping. It provides a guide through the criminal and civil justice systems and a summary of the laws on parental kidnapping. Actions that parents can take and laws that may help them when their children…

Outlines important considerations in maintaining legal relationships between the school, pupils, and third parties (including parents). Defines "child" and "parent." Discusses the impact on school personnel of the complex variety of persons and institutions that may claim rights and privileges as "parent" with regard…

This guide is a compilation of material critical to incarcerated women and to women in the community who have a history involving the criminal justice system. It provides them with a framework for analyzing problems, formulating strategies for change, and crafting solutions. Section 1 deals with negotiating the prison system. Six chapters address…

Provides guidelines and suggestions for schools faced with legal problems associated with children from nontraditional families. Sections are included on children with changed surnames, access to school records for noncustodial parents, policy conflicts between spouses over children's schooling, and attempts by noncustodial parents to remove…

This handbook is a "how-to" guide to help parents get the child support payments their children need and deserve. The handbook is written in a question and answer format. Chapter 1 provides information on child support enforcement problems, how parents can get help, and the basic fees and steps in getting child support. Chapter 2…

Intended for counselors working in schools or residential child care settings, in child welfare and family preservation services, or in juvenile justice, this facilitator's guide outlines a workshop for children and adolescents growing up in single-parent families. The guide first presents a framework for a one-class or five-class workshop…

This book provides advice on minimizing the negative effects of divorce on children, including what normal behavior to expect, what language to use and not use, and what legal and custody issues will affect the child. The book contains eight chapters. Chapter 1, "The Decision to Separate," covers such topics as breaking the news to children, trial…

Research and experience from throughout the child welfare system have established that maintaining a strong connection between children and their families is critical to ensure positive outcomes for children in out-of-home care. Ways in which administrators and managers in out-of-home care agencies bring a family focus to their policy,…