SlideShare una empresa de Scribd logo
1 de 26
Descargar para leer sin conexión
Divorce: Creating Parenting 
Plans for Children with Special 
Needs 
Created and Presented by 
Brenda McCreight Ph.D.
What is a parenting plan… 
 A written agreement that can be made with our without the help of 
legal professionals 
 Parenting Plans (aka PP’s) outline how the divorcing parents will 
share the ongoing parenting of the child or children 
 PPs include: 
- how decisions about the child will be made 
- how information will be shared between parents 
- the time the child will spend with each parent 
- how the child will be transferred between parents 
-child support, medical care, education, religion, leisure etc.
Child centered… 
 A parenting plan should reflect the interests and needs of the child, not the 
parents 
 A parenting plan can reduce conflict between parents by setting out clear 
guidelines and expectations
Every plan is unique… 
 There are some basic items in most PPs, but each is unique and will be 
based on the child’s age, health, developmental stage and any unique 
factors 
 The wishes of older children may be considered
Standard parenting plan items…. 
 Parental responsibilities: The responsibility of the parents to make 
decisions about the child’s life. These can include decisions about 
daily care, as well as larger ones about health care, education, 
religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, etc. Will one parent 
have primary responsibilities or will it be shared? 
 Parental relocation (What if one parent proposes to move? What if 
one parent proposes to move with the child? How much notice 
should be given e.g. 30, 45, 60 days? How will notice be given e.g. 
e-mail, letter? Will consent of the other parent be required when the 
move of a child is proposed? How will parenting arrangements be 
affected?)
More… 
 Communication with child while with the other parent (phone, e-mail, 
pictures, Skype?) 
 Altering the parenting schedule for things such as illness, lateness, social 
events, special occasions, unforeseen events. How will schedule changes 
be managed? How much notice of the change is required? Will there be 
make-up time? 
 Transferring the child’s belongings between homes. (Will the child have 
two sets of some items? Who will purchase which items for your child?) 
 Child's social life (How will the child spend time with friends? Who will take 
the child to social events such as birthday parties or sleepovers? Who will 
buy gifts for the child to give?)
And more… 
 Vacation, holidays and special days such as Mother’s Day and child’s 
birthday 
 Health care 
 Education 
 Extra-curricular activities (can both 
parents attend and who pays?) 
 Religion 
 Culture 
 Contact time with grandparents, step siblings and extended family
And more… 
 Communication between parents 
 Altering the parenting plan 
 A plan for resolving disagreements 
 Other parenting issues 
 Child and spousal support 
 The content, complexity and detail of 
the PP will depend on the needs and 
relationships of the child and parents. High conflict couples may have very 
detailed PPs
Special needs… 
 There are many, many forms of behaviors and conditions that can be 
considered *special needs*. 
 These are generally categorized as a) medical issues; b) behavior 
issues c) learning issues; d) mental health issues; e) developmental 
issues. Some of the conditions that would be included in these categories 
are: 
 Autism 
 Attachment Disorder 
 Bi-polar disorder 
 Down Syndrome 
 Cancer
A few more… 
 Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder 
 Muscular Dystrophy 
 Heart conditions 
 Eating disorders 
 Schizophrenia 
 Schizo-affective disorder 
 Substance abuse/addiction 
 Chronic rages
And more… 
 Conduct Disorder 
 Chronic depression/mood disorders 
 Central auditory processing 
 Sensory processing 
 Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder 
 Neurodevelopmental challenges resulting from early neglect and/or abuse 
 Oppositional Defiant Disorder 
 Many, many more
What’s different? 
 Children with special needs require special parenting plans 
 The professional who is undertaking the PP doesn’t need to be an 
expert in the condition of the child, but should be prepared to 
immediately learn as much as possible and be prepared to consult 
with experts 
 The parents have likely incorporated medical or psychological 
terminology into their everyday vocabulary and the professional 
needs to learn those words asap and may have to include them in 
the final PP document 
 Finances may be particularly complicated due to how the separation 
impacts entitlement to tax breaks, to financial aid, to support 
services, to spousal and child support beyond the age of majority
First questions … 
 Is there an official diagnosis? Do each of the ex-spouses agree on the 
diagnoses? 
 Who made the diagnosis? 
 Does the child have an education plan in place? Supports? 
 Has any testing been done? By whom? 
 Is the condition ‘curable’ or treatable? Is the child expected to improve? Is 
the condition terminal? 
 Is there a medical condition attached to the developmental or behavioural 
issue? 
 If this is a mental health or behavioral condition – what therapists and what 
therapies are in place? Do the parents agree on these?
The second set of questions… 
 Are there any special financial needs? 
 Are these special and additional expenses reimbursed by the 
state/province, private insurance, or the board of education? 
 Are they ongoing, recurring, non-recurring? 
 Are there any anticipated future expenses? 
 What is the child’s daily schedule? Who organizes and maintains this 
schedule? 
 Can the needs of the identified child be met with the same arrangements 
as the needs of the other children in the family?
Third set of questions… 
 Does the child have issues with transitioning between one environment to 
another? 
 What are the dietary special needs? Can both parents manage these? 
Who pays for them? 
 Are there medications? How are they administered and by whom? Who 
pays for them? 
 Is there any special training or extraordinary time commitment one parent 
needs to have vs. another parent? 
 How does the child with special needs impact the other child(ren) in the 
family? 
 What are the special financial resources needed for the other non-special 
needs children due to the special needs child requiring so much attention?
Example 1… 
 - Example: Sam Jones and Sarah Jones have 4 children. Three are 
neurotypical - Emily age 12, Dawson age 10 and Joey age 8. Angie, age 
11, has severe autism and requires support workers 2 hours a day in the 
home and all day in the school setting. She goes to respite one weekend a 
month and is often hospitalized for self harming behaviors. 
Jim wants shared parenting responsibilities with the 3 neurotypical children 
alternating residences on a weekly rotation but he only wants one Saturday 
a month with Angie in his care. Sarah never stopped working part time as a 
dental hygienist and she wants the same shared parenting for all 4 children 
so that she can continue working.
For discussion… 
1) Which parent has historically managed Angie’s primary care? 
2) Which parent has managed the medical and other supports for Angie? 
3) To which parent does Angie best respond? 
4) Can Angie make the same transitions between homes as her siblings? 
Can Angie manage transitions from one home to the other? 
5) Will the support staff work in both homes? 
6) How will the change in parental income effect any financial supports that 
are provided? 
7) What is the long term impact on spousal and child support if Angie is not 
able to become independent in adulthood?
And… 
7) If there is special equipment in the home or the car, can it be transferred 
between homes on a regular basis? 
8) What are the plans for the times when Angie won’t comply to the transfer 
between parents? 
8) What do the siblings want? 
9) Is Angie able to give an opinion on what she would like? 
10) Can either parent manage Angie alone for any length of time?
Example # 2 … 
 Jim and Martha have 2 children – Marcus age 10 and Jonas age 9. Jonas 
has Muscular Dystrophy which requires a special bed, breathing 
equipment, a complicated medication procedure, and a wheelchair . The 
separation resulted in the sale of the family home and Martha has 
temporarily moved with the children into the large home of her parents. 
Martha has been the main caregiver and has not worked out side of the 
home since Jonas was born. Jim has rented a small apartment nearby. 
The living arrangements are expected to change when the financial part of 
the divorce is settled. The couple are experiencing high conflict on the 
financials and there is no resolution in sight. Jim wants both children two 
evenings a week and every other weekend. Martha would welcome the 
break but doesn’t think Jim has a clue about how to care for Jonas so she 
isn’t willing to agree to his request at this time, but may when some of her 
concerns are addressed.
Discussion… 
 Should this be a final PP or an interim PP? 
 What is the capacity of either home to physically manage Jonas’ medical 
equipment? To manage the transfer of the equipment? 
 What does Jim understand about Jonas’ needs? 
 If Jim’s knowledge base isn’t adequate - What is Jim willing to learn about 
Jonas’ needs? Can he identify a learning plan? 
 What are the long term spousal and child support implications? Tax 
implications? etc
Example # 3… 
 Donna and Jason adopted 12 year old Hayden when he was 7 years old. 
Hayden has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Attention Hyperactivity 
Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder. He presents severe 
behavioural challenges and his therapist recently stated that she is 
concerned that he may be in the early stages of Conduct Disorder 
 The ex-spouses would like to share parenting responsibilities with a 50/50 
split transitioning on alternate weeks. 
 The ex’s have settled the financial aspects of the agreement.
Discussion… 
 How well does Hayden manage transitions? 
 Do both parents understand the diagnoses? 
 Do both parents have appropriate parenting strategies? 
 How will being separated from one parent for a week at a time impact 
Hayden’s attachment challenges? 
 Should the therapist be consulted? 
 Are there ways to keep Hayden 
connected to the non-resident 
parent? Does he need to be 
connected?
Summary… 
 *Special needs* includes a large number of conditions that might be 
categorized as medical, mental health, behavioral, learning, 
developmental, or a combination of any 
 Children with special needs require detailed and condition specific 
Parenting Plans 
 Children with special needs may require a parenting arrangement that is 
different from that of the siblings 
 The professional undertaking the Parenting Plan should become familiar 
with the condition and with the jargon and be prepared to consult an expert 
 Financial aspects of this kind of PP can be very complex and detailed and 
may need to change substantially over time
Parenting plan templates… 
 I have provided these as a resource. This is neither an 
endorsement nor a criticism of any of these. 
 https://www.nycourts.gov/forms/matrimonial/ParentingPlanFor 
m.pdf 
 http://courts.oregon.gov/ojd/docs/osca/cpsd/courtimprovem 
ent/familylaw/parentingplanworksheetfillablever6tabtestwithlin 
ksver8savable10-7-08.pdf 
 https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/parenting_pl 
an_july_1_2014.pdf 
 http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/parent/ppt-ecppp/ 
Parenting_Plan_Tool.pdf
Thank you for sharing this time with me… 
 You can contact me at the following: 
 Email brenda@lifespanmediation.org Phone 250-716-9101 
 Or via my websites: 
 http://www.lifespanmediation.org 
 http://www.hazardousparenting.com 
 Hazardous Parenting Facebook page 
 LinkedIn 
 Please check out some of my other Powerpoint 
presentations at http://www.slideshare.com
 Brenda McCreight Ph.D. 
 Reg. Clinical Social Worker # 4399 
 Reg. Clinical Counsellor # 235 
 Reg. Professional Counsellor & Psychotherapist # 1126 
 Certified> Family Mediation 
 Certified> Conflict Resolution 
 Certified> Divorce Coach

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

Impact of a child with a disability
Impact of a child with a disabilityImpact of a child with a disability
Impact of a child with a disabilitybaptistac
 
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdf
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdfLEARNING DISABILITIES.pdf
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdfMadilynOndoy
 
Encouraging social skills in children
Encouraging social skills in childrenEncouraging social skills in children
Encouraging social skills in childrenHusnara Ansari
 
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & Importance
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & ImportanceUnderstanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & Importance
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & ImportanceThe Source for Learning, Inc.
 
Intervention of autistic children
Intervention of autistic childrenIntervention of autistic children
Intervention of autistic childrenSimrat Simrat
 
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early Intervention
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early InterventionAutism Treatment: Importance of Early Intervention
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early InterventionCourtney Bierman, MA, BCBA
 
Early intervention- an Introduction
Early intervention- an IntroductionEarly intervention- an Introduction
Early intervention- an IntroductionAhmed Bilal
 
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presentation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) PresentationAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presentation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) PresentationAnoudHuss
 
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1Kristine Strong
 
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilitiesIntellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilitiesSWJanetLee
 
Special needs education powerpoint educ100
Special needs education powerpoint educ100Special needs education powerpoint educ100
Special needs education powerpoint educ100randeepsohal
 
Language development in early childhood period
Language development in early childhood period Language development in early childhood period
Language development in early childhood period shivasingh144
 
Autism Training Powerpoint
Autism Training PowerpointAutism Training Powerpoint
Autism Training PowerpointHollis Adair
 
Language Development in Children
Language Development in ChildrenLanguage Development in Children
Language Development in ChildrenDean Williams
 
Play and Learning (Developmental Psychology
Play and Learning (Developmental PsychologyPlay and Learning (Developmental Psychology
Play and Learning (Developmental PsychologyPIR BUX JOKHIO
 
Autism in Infant and Toddler
Autism in Infant and ToddlerAutism in Infant and Toddler
Autism in Infant and ToddlerFhara Adzlina
 
Learning disabilities
Learning disabilitiesLearning disabilities
Learning disabilitieslizeline
 

La actualidad más candente (20)

Impact of a child with a disability
Impact of a child with a disabilityImpact of a child with a disability
Impact of a child with a disability
 
Assess and diagnois
Assess and diagnoisAssess and diagnois
Assess and diagnois
 
Engaging Families of Children with Special Needs
Engaging Families of Children with Special NeedsEngaging Families of Children with Special Needs
Engaging Families of Children with Special Needs
 
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdf
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdfLEARNING DISABILITIES.pdf
LEARNING DISABILITIES.pdf
 
Encouraging social skills in children
Encouraging social skills in childrenEncouraging social skills in children
Encouraging social skills in children
 
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & Importance
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & ImportanceUnderstanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & Importance
Understanding Early Intervention: Definition, Scope & Importance
 
Intervention of autistic children
Intervention of autistic childrenIntervention of autistic children
Intervention of autistic children
 
Childhood disorders(report)
Childhood disorders(report)Childhood disorders(report)
Childhood disorders(report)
 
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early Intervention
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early InterventionAutism Treatment: Importance of Early Intervention
Autism Treatment: Importance of Early Intervention
 
Early intervention- an Introduction
Early intervention- an IntroductionEarly intervention- an Introduction
Early intervention- an Introduction
 
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presentation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) PresentationAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presentation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presentation
 
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1
Inclusion & Mainstreaming 1
 
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilitiesIntellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilities
 
Special needs education powerpoint educ100
Special needs education powerpoint educ100Special needs education powerpoint educ100
Special needs education powerpoint educ100
 
Language development in early childhood period
Language development in early childhood period Language development in early childhood period
Language development in early childhood period
 
Autism Training Powerpoint
Autism Training PowerpointAutism Training Powerpoint
Autism Training Powerpoint
 
Language Development in Children
Language Development in ChildrenLanguage Development in Children
Language Development in Children
 
Play and Learning (Developmental Psychology
Play and Learning (Developmental PsychologyPlay and Learning (Developmental Psychology
Play and Learning (Developmental Psychology
 
Autism in Infant and Toddler
Autism in Infant and ToddlerAutism in Infant and Toddler
Autism in Infant and Toddler
 
Learning disabilities
Learning disabilitiesLearning disabilities
Learning disabilities
 

Destacado

Counselling for parents
Counselling for parentsCounselling for parents
Counselling for parentsAnju Soman
 
Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities Soha Rashed
 
Children & person with special needs
Children & person with special needsChildren & person with special needs
Children & person with special needsNik Ronaidi
 
Handling Children with Special Needs
Handling Children with Special NeedsHandling Children with Special Needs
Handling Children with Special Needsdanielle chua
 
Special needs for children and families
Special needs for children and familiesSpecial needs for children and families
Special needs for children and familiesLovley Afroza
 
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to AskDivorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to AskAvvo, INC
 
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorce
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in DivorceTop Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorce
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorcepeace talks
 
Powerpoint adoption disruption
Powerpoint adoption disruptionPowerpoint adoption disruption
Powerpoint adoption disruptionBrenda McCreight
 
Developmental disabilities and aging
Developmental disabilities and agingDevelopmental disabilities and aging
Developmental disabilities and agingBrenda McCreight
 
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescence
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescencePowerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescence
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescenceBrenda McCreight
 
The long term impact of chronic stress
The long term impact of chronic stressThe long term impact of chronic stress
The long term impact of chronic stressBrenda McCreight
 
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuse
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuseThe neurobiology of early neglect & abuse
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuseBrenda McCreight
 
How to use brain whispering to re wire your
How to use brain whispering to re wire yourHow to use brain whispering to re wire your
How to use brain whispering to re wire yourBrenda McCreight
 
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiences
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiencesEthical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiences
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiencesMCH-org-ua
 
Pediatric fluid administration
Pediatric fluid administrationPediatric fluid administration
Pediatric fluid administrationrichmondrescue
 

Destacado (20)

Counselling for parents
Counselling for parentsCounselling for parents
Counselling for parents
 
Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities
 
Children & person with special needs
Children & person with special needsChildren & person with special needs
Children & person with special needs
 
The healthy brain
The healthy brainThe healthy brain
The healthy brain
 
Handling Children with Special Needs
Handling Children with Special NeedsHandling Children with Special Needs
Handling Children with Special Needs
 
Special needs for children and families
Special needs for children and familiesSpecial needs for children and families
Special needs for children and families
 
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to AskDivorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Divorce: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid to Ask
 
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorce
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in DivorceTop Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorce
Top Ten Reasons to Use Parenting Plan Mediation in Divorce
 
Powerpoint adoption disruption
Powerpoint adoption disruptionPowerpoint adoption disruption
Powerpoint adoption disruption
 
Developmental disabilities and aging
Developmental disabilities and agingDevelopmental disabilities and aging
Developmental disabilities and aging
 
Adhd
AdhdAdhd
Adhd
 
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescence
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescencePowerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescence
Powerpoint surviving (adoptive) adolescence
 
The long term impact of chronic stress
The long term impact of chronic stressThe long term impact of chronic stress
The long term impact of chronic stress
 
Counseling in special schools
Counseling in special schoolsCounseling in special schools
Counseling in special schools
 
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuse
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuseThe neurobiology of early neglect & abuse
The neurobiology of early neglect & abuse
 
Aging intro
Aging introAging intro
Aging intro
 
How to use brain whispering to re wire your
How to use brain whispering to re wire yourHow to use brain whispering to re wire your
How to use brain whispering to re wire your
 
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiences
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiencesEthical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiences
Ethical issues of extremely preterm babies’ care: the “grey zone” experiences
 
Pediatric fluid administration
Pediatric fluid administrationPediatric fluid administration
Pediatric fluid administration
 
Iv therapy training
Iv therapy trainingIv therapy training
Iv therapy training
 

Similar a Powerpoint parenting plans for children with special needs

The Importance Of Child Rearing
The Importance Of Child RearingThe Importance Of Child Rearing
The Importance Of Child RearingAmanda Reed
 
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken Child
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken ChildAdvantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken Child
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken ChildCathy Baumgardner
 
Children With Special Educational Needs
Children With Special Educational NeedsChildren With Special Educational Needs
Children With Special Educational NeedsNichole Brown
 
Special needs of youth. jins
Special needs of youth. jinsSpecial needs of youth. jins
Special needs of youth. jinsjinsjoseph000
 
Shortage of foster families slideshow
Shortage of foster families slideshowShortage of foster families slideshow
Shortage of foster families slideshowAmanda_Thompson1
 
Psychology slideshare project
Psychology slideshare projectPsychology slideshare project
Psychology slideshare projectMelmel21
 
Relationship Between Parents And Children
Relationship Between Parents And ChildrenRelationship Between Parents And Children
Relationship Between Parents And ChildrenHolly Aguilar
 
Literature
LiteratureLiterature
LiteratureMentor
 
Effects Of Divorce On Children
Effects Of Divorce On ChildrenEffects Of Divorce On Children
Effects Of Divorce On ChildrenDonna Castro
 
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing Practices
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing PracticesIllness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing Practices
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing PracticesJessica Deakin
 
Parenting- Chapter 17
Parenting- Chapter 17Parenting- Chapter 17
Parenting- Chapter 17elderfamily
 
The Childcare Guidebook
The Childcare GuidebookThe Childcare Guidebook
The Childcare Guidebookcopeinc
 
Hehd805, e port. art. mary v. keane. 2013
Hehd805, e port. art.  mary v. keane. 2013Hehd805, e port. art.  mary v. keane. 2013
Hehd805, e port. art. mary v. keane. 2013mvkeane
 
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPoint
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPointGabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPoint
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPointGabby Reif
 
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment Workgroup
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment WorkgroupHCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment Workgroup
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment WorkgroupPeggy Dolane
 
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup PresentationPeggy Dolane
 
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.BASPCAN
 
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
 

Similar a Powerpoint parenting plans for children with special needs (20)

The Importance Of Child Rearing
The Importance Of Child RearingThe Importance Of Child Rearing
The Importance Of Child Rearing
 
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken Child
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken ChildAdvantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken Child
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Broken Child
 
Children With Special Educational Needs
Children With Special Educational NeedsChildren With Special Educational Needs
Children With Special Educational Needs
 
Special needs of youth. jins
Special needs of youth. jinsSpecial needs of youth. jins
Special needs of youth. jins
 
Effect Of Divorce On Children Essay
Effect Of Divorce On Children EssayEffect Of Divorce On Children Essay
Effect Of Divorce On Children Essay
 
Shortage of foster families slideshow
Shortage of foster families slideshowShortage of foster families slideshow
Shortage of foster families slideshow
 
Psychology slideshare project
Psychology slideshare projectPsychology slideshare project
Psychology slideshare project
 
Relationship Between Parents And Children
Relationship Between Parents And ChildrenRelationship Between Parents And Children
Relationship Between Parents And Children
 
Literature
LiteratureLiterature
Literature
 
1.-PARENTING-IRISH-MAE-VASQUEZ.ppt
1.-PARENTING-IRISH-MAE-VASQUEZ.ppt1.-PARENTING-IRISH-MAE-VASQUEZ.ppt
1.-PARENTING-IRISH-MAE-VASQUEZ.ppt
 
Effects Of Divorce On Children
Effects Of Divorce On ChildrenEffects Of Divorce On Children
Effects Of Divorce On Children
 
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing Practices
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing PracticesIllness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing Practices
Illness And The Conformity Of Child-Rearing Practices
 
Parenting- Chapter 17
Parenting- Chapter 17Parenting- Chapter 17
Parenting- Chapter 17
 
The Childcare Guidebook
The Childcare GuidebookThe Childcare Guidebook
The Childcare Guidebook
 
Hehd805, e port. art. mary v. keane. 2013
Hehd805, e port. art.  mary v. keane. 2013Hehd805, e port. art.  mary v. keane. 2013
Hehd805, e port. art. mary v. keane. 2013
 
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPoint
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPointGabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPoint
Gabrielle Reif- Children of Divorce PowerPoint
 
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment Workgroup
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment WorkgroupHCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment Workgroup
HCA/DSHS Parent Initiated Treatment Workgroup
 
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation
8 -10-2018 PIT Workgroup Presentation
 
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.
Parental Mental Health and its impact on Parenting Capacity.
 
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
 

Más de Brenda McCreight

Powerpoint fasd overview 2014
Powerpoint fasd overview 2014Powerpoint fasd overview 2014
Powerpoint fasd overview 2014Brenda McCreight
 
A neurobiological approach to anger management
A neurobiological approach to anger managementA neurobiological approach to anger management
A neurobiological approach to anger managementBrenda McCreight
 
Oppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorderOppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorderBrenda McCreight
 
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care 2013
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care  2013Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care  2013
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care 2013Brenda McCreight
 
How to stop obsessive thinking
How to stop obsessive thinkingHow to stop obsessive thinking
How to stop obsessive thinkingBrenda McCreight
 
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...Brenda McCreight
 
Compassion fatigue for parents
Compassion fatigue for parentsCompassion fatigue for parents
Compassion fatigue for parentsBrenda McCreight
 

Más de Brenda McCreight (12)

Aging intro
Aging introAging intro
Aging intro
 
Powerpoint fasd overview 2014
Powerpoint fasd overview 2014Powerpoint fasd overview 2014
Powerpoint fasd overview 2014
 
A neurobiological approach to anger management
A neurobiological approach to anger managementA neurobiological approach to anger management
A neurobiological approach to anger management
 
Oppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorderOppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
 
Attachment
AttachmentAttachment
Attachment
 
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care 2013
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care  2013Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care  2013
Powerpoint pre parented children adoption& foster care 2013
 
How to stop obsessive thinking
How to stop obsessive thinkingHow to stop obsessive thinking
How to stop obsessive thinking
 
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...
Overview of childhood mental health disorders & pre natal exposure to alcohol...
 
Attachment
AttachmentAttachment
Attachment
 
Autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorderAutism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
 
Compassion fatigue for parents
Compassion fatigue for parentsCompassion fatigue for parents
Compassion fatigue for parents
 
Overview of F.A.S.D.
Overview of F.A.S.D.Overview of F.A.S.D.
Overview of F.A.S.D.
 

Powerpoint parenting plans for children with special needs

  • 1. Divorce: Creating Parenting Plans for Children with Special Needs Created and Presented by Brenda McCreight Ph.D.
  • 2. What is a parenting plan…  A written agreement that can be made with our without the help of legal professionals  Parenting Plans (aka PP’s) outline how the divorcing parents will share the ongoing parenting of the child or children  PPs include: - how decisions about the child will be made - how information will be shared between parents - the time the child will spend with each parent - how the child will be transferred between parents -child support, medical care, education, religion, leisure etc.
  • 3. Child centered…  A parenting plan should reflect the interests and needs of the child, not the parents  A parenting plan can reduce conflict between parents by setting out clear guidelines and expectations
  • 4. Every plan is unique…  There are some basic items in most PPs, but each is unique and will be based on the child’s age, health, developmental stage and any unique factors  The wishes of older children may be considered
  • 5. Standard parenting plan items….  Parental responsibilities: The responsibility of the parents to make decisions about the child’s life. These can include decisions about daily care, as well as larger ones about health care, education, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, etc. Will one parent have primary responsibilities or will it be shared?  Parental relocation (What if one parent proposes to move? What if one parent proposes to move with the child? How much notice should be given e.g. 30, 45, 60 days? How will notice be given e.g. e-mail, letter? Will consent of the other parent be required when the move of a child is proposed? How will parenting arrangements be affected?)
  • 6. More…  Communication with child while with the other parent (phone, e-mail, pictures, Skype?)  Altering the parenting schedule for things such as illness, lateness, social events, special occasions, unforeseen events. How will schedule changes be managed? How much notice of the change is required? Will there be make-up time?  Transferring the child’s belongings between homes. (Will the child have two sets of some items? Who will purchase which items for your child?)  Child's social life (How will the child spend time with friends? Who will take the child to social events such as birthday parties or sleepovers? Who will buy gifts for the child to give?)
  • 7. And more…  Vacation, holidays and special days such as Mother’s Day and child’s birthday  Health care  Education  Extra-curricular activities (can both parents attend and who pays?)  Religion  Culture  Contact time with grandparents, step siblings and extended family
  • 8. And more…  Communication between parents  Altering the parenting plan  A plan for resolving disagreements  Other parenting issues  Child and spousal support  The content, complexity and detail of the PP will depend on the needs and relationships of the child and parents. High conflict couples may have very detailed PPs
  • 9. Special needs…  There are many, many forms of behaviors and conditions that can be considered *special needs*.  These are generally categorized as a) medical issues; b) behavior issues c) learning issues; d) mental health issues; e) developmental issues. Some of the conditions that would be included in these categories are:  Autism  Attachment Disorder  Bi-polar disorder  Down Syndrome  Cancer
  • 10. A few more…  Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder  Muscular Dystrophy  Heart conditions  Eating disorders  Schizophrenia  Schizo-affective disorder  Substance abuse/addiction  Chronic rages
  • 11. And more…  Conduct Disorder  Chronic depression/mood disorders  Central auditory processing  Sensory processing  Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder  Neurodevelopmental challenges resulting from early neglect and/or abuse  Oppositional Defiant Disorder  Many, many more
  • 12. What’s different?  Children with special needs require special parenting plans  The professional who is undertaking the PP doesn’t need to be an expert in the condition of the child, but should be prepared to immediately learn as much as possible and be prepared to consult with experts  The parents have likely incorporated medical or psychological terminology into their everyday vocabulary and the professional needs to learn those words asap and may have to include them in the final PP document  Finances may be particularly complicated due to how the separation impacts entitlement to tax breaks, to financial aid, to support services, to spousal and child support beyond the age of majority
  • 13. First questions …  Is there an official diagnosis? Do each of the ex-spouses agree on the diagnoses?  Who made the diagnosis?  Does the child have an education plan in place? Supports?  Has any testing been done? By whom?  Is the condition ‘curable’ or treatable? Is the child expected to improve? Is the condition terminal?  Is there a medical condition attached to the developmental or behavioural issue?  If this is a mental health or behavioral condition – what therapists and what therapies are in place? Do the parents agree on these?
  • 14. The second set of questions…  Are there any special financial needs?  Are these special and additional expenses reimbursed by the state/province, private insurance, or the board of education?  Are they ongoing, recurring, non-recurring?  Are there any anticipated future expenses?  What is the child’s daily schedule? Who organizes and maintains this schedule?  Can the needs of the identified child be met with the same arrangements as the needs of the other children in the family?
  • 15. Third set of questions…  Does the child have issues with transitioning between one environment to another?  What are the dietary special needs? Can both parents manage these? Who pays for them?  Are there medications? How are they administered and by whom? Who pays for them?  Is there any special training or extraordinary time commitment one parent needs to have vs. another parent?  How does the child with special needs impact the other child(ren) in the family?  What are the special financial resources needed for the other non-special needs children due to the special needs child requiring so much attention?
  • 16. Example 1…  - Example: Sam Jones and Sarah Jones have 4 children. Three are neurotypical - Emily age 12, Dawson age 10 and Joey age 8. Angie, age 11, has severe autism and requires support workers 2 hours a day in the home and all day in the school setting. She goes to respite one weekend a month and is often hospitalized for self harming behaviors. Jim wants shared parenting responsibilities with the 3 neurotypical children alternating residences on a weekly rotation but he only wants one Saturday a month with Angie in his care. Sarah never stopped working part time as a dental hygienist and she wants the same shared parenting for all 4 children so that she can continue working.
  • 17. For discussion… 1) Which parent has historically managed Angie’s primary care? 2) Which parent has managed the medical and other supports for Angie? 3) To which parent does Angie best respond? 4) Can Angie make the same transitions between homes as her siblings? Can Angie manage transitions from one home to the other? 5) Will the support staff work in both homes? 6) How will the change in parental income effect any financial supports that are provided? 7) What is the long term impact on spousal and child support if Angie is not able to become independent in adulthood?
  • 18. And… 7) If there is special equipment in the home or the car, can it be transferred between homes on a regular basis? 8) What are the plans for the times when Angie won’t comply to the transfer between parents? 8) What do the siblings want? 9) Is Angie able to give an opinion on what she would like? 10) Can either parent manage Angie alone for any length of time?
  • 19. Example # 2 …  Jim and Martha have 2 children – Marcus age 10 and Jonas age 9. Jonas has Muscular Dystrophy which requires a special bed, breathing equipment, a complicated medication procedure, and a wheelchair . The separation resulted in the sale of the family home and Martha has temporarily moved with the children into the large home of her parents. Martha has been the main caregiver and has not worked out side of the home since Jonas was born. Jim has rented a small apartment nearby. The living arrangements are expected to change when the financial part of the divorce is settled. The couple are experiencing high conflict on the financials and there is no resolution in sight. Jim wants both children two evenings a week and every other weekend. Martha would welcome the break but doesn’t think Jim has a clue about how to care for Jonas so she isn’t willing to agree to his request at this time, but may when some of her concerns are addressed.
  • 20. Discussion…  Should this be a final PP or an interim PP?  What is the capacity of either home to physically manage Jonas’ medical equipment? To manage the transfer of the equipment?  What does Jim understand about Jonas’ needs?  If Jim’s knowledge base isn’t adequate - What is Jim willing to learn about Jonas’ needs? Can he identify a learning plan?  What are the long term spousal and child support implications? Tax implications? etc
  • 21. Example # 3…  Donna and Jason adopted 12 year old Hayden when he was 7 years old. Hayden has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Attention Hyperactivity Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder. He presents severe behavioural challenges and his therapist recently stated that she is concerned that he may be in the early stages of Conduct Disorder  The ex-spouses would like to share parenting responsibilities with a 50/50 split transitioning on alternate weeks.  The ex’s have settled the financial aspects of the agreement.
  • 22. Discussion…  How well does Hayden manage transitions?  Do both parents understand the diagnoses?  Do both parents have appropriate parenting strategies?  How will being separated from one parent for a week at a time impact Hayden’s attachment challenges?  Should the therapist be consulted?  Are there ways to keep Hayden connected to the non-resident parent? Does he need to be connected?
  • 23. Summary…  *Special needs* includes a large number of conditions that might be categorized as medical, mental health, behavioral, learning, developmental, or a combination of any  Children with special needs require detailed and condition specific Parenting Plans  Children with special needs may require a parenting arrangement that is different from that of the siblings  The professional undertaking the Parenting Plan should become familiar with the condition and with the jargon and be prepared to consult an expert  Financial aspects of this kind of PP can be very complex and detailed and may need to change substantially over time
  • 24. Parenting plan templates…  I have provided these as a resource. This is neither an endorsement nor a criticism of any of these.  https://www.nycourts.gov/forms/matrimonial/ParentingPlanFor m.pdf  http://courts.oregon.gov/ojd/docs/osca/cpsd/courtimprovem ent/familylaw/parentingplanworksheetfillablever6tabtestwithlin ksver8savable10-7-08.pdf  https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/parenting_pl an_july_1_2014.pdf  http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/parent/ppt-ecppp/ Parenting_Plan_Tool.pdf
  • 25. Thank you for sharing this time with me…  You can contact me at the following:  Email brenda@lifespanmediation.org Phone 250-716-9101  Or via my websites:  http://www.lifespanmediation.org  http://www.hazardousparenting.com  Hazardous Parenting Facebook page  LinkedIn  Please check out some of my other Powerpoint presentations at http://www.slideshare.com
  • 26.  Brenda McCreight Ph.D.  Reg. Clinical Social Worker # 4399  Reg. Clinical Counsellor # 235  Reg. Professional Counsellor & Psychotherapist # 1126  Certified> Family Mediation  Certified> Conflict Resolution  Certified> Divorce Coach