Post-separation parental conflict service needs

The effect of separation and divorce on children and families has been extensively studied. Numerous studies have identified “high conflict” to be a critical factor affecting problems in adjustment for children pre and post separation. High conflict is the term most often used within the literature to describe situations of post-separation discord, characterized by the presence of elevated anger, hostility and distrust between parents, high levels of litigation, alienation of the child by one parent, and domestic violence issues. While there is much literature pointing to the need for parents to stop engaging in direct conflict (physical and verbal), there is less information about the best way to bring an end to the persistent parental conflict and discord. The purpose of this research is to examine existing services available for parents dealing with high conflict issues after separation, with a focus on services as a means for reducing conflict and improving overall family functioning, to be accomplished through exploring the perspectives of professionals involved with these families. The objectives included exploring the perceptions of community professionals about programs, and determining if other interventions are needed to address the issues of high conflict for separating parents and their families. This study used a qualitative, cross sectional exploratory design. The data was collected through a total of ten open-ended interviews using the general interview guide approach. Findings from the study indicate existing intervention services are perceived as inadequate in addressing the particular needs of high conflict family members. Participants consistently pointed to a distinct lack of accessible long-term, cost-free and therapeutic services. In particular, a need was expressed for accessible services, which address the multiple complex issues specifically related to high conflict family situations. Counselling or mental health assessment and treatment was the foremost recommendation suggested in all of the interviews.