The program was introduced in the Netherlands and has been scientifically monitored and evaluated. It has also been used in Germany for several years. The program is intended for six families and is due to start in the autumn at the psychological advice centre in the district office. After the start with an information evening on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the multifamily training will take place every 14 days on Tuesdays and is intended to help bring the children back into focus in highly contentious families and reduce disputes between separated parents.
After two preliminary discussions for the families and the decision of both parents to take part in the project, an information evening is held at the beginning of October for the family network, which is not only attended by the parents, but also by grandparents, friends or other important people from the family. This is followed by eight meetings every two weeks, during which a parents' group and a children's group work on topics in parallel.
The parents work together with other parent couples who are in similar circumstances on a new narrative of their separation in order to let go and work together again in the future. The children (aged six and over) work in a separate group on their own separation issues.
Program aims to help bring children back into focus
"Separations or divorces are difficult and stressful situations for parents and children, and in some families there seems to be no way out of the parents' ongoing arguments," explains Katja Bodinek, Head of the Psychological Counseling Center at Ludwigsburg District Office. "It is the children who suffer most from these arguments, as their voices are often no longer heard properly. It is therefore important to keep trying to communicate and minimize the negative effects, especially on the children." This is where the Multifamily Program wants to help. Parents should be empowered to get out of their cycle of conflict and focus on their children again.
Registrations are possible from now until August 15, 2024. Interested parties can obtain more information about the program and how to register by contacting the Ludwigsburg district psychological counselling office on 07141 144-2529.
