1. Utilize a children’s program with an evidence base of effectiveness and a focus on children’s
strengths.
2. Keep children’s developmental needs a primary factor in group composition and program
content. Children may be intimidated in groups with much older children. Keep age ranges
for each group between two and three years.
3. Ensure a safe and supportive group environment by establishing rules and setting limits on
inappropriate behavior.
4. Provide skills training in factors known to relate to better adjustment for children in the aftermath
of divorce (i.e., problem solving, coping skills, help seeking, and differentiating solvable
versus unsolvable problems).
5. Select group members carefully, excluding those with severe difficulties. Provide referrals
for children needing more intensive services.
6. Provide ongoing training and close supervision to group leaders in child mental health,
group process, and facilitation skills.
7. Keep groups balanced by age, gender, and limit the number of participants. Large groups
(more than eight) reduce opportunities for meaningful sharing.
8. Provide information and resources to parents on ways they can foster their children’s
resilience and healthy adjustment and promote healthy parent–child relationships.
9. Convey a message of hope and confidence in children’s strengths and abilities.
10. Conduct evaluation as part of an ongoing effort to assess a program’s effectiveness with
diverse groups. Above all, “do no harm,” and monitor the progress of each participant