The negative impact of divorce is a concern with far-reaching ramifications for children’s well-being. This article
reviews divorce-related risks and protective factors that provide an empirical guide for the content of effective
programs for children. The promising potential of child-focused interventions is highlighted, including examples
of programs with evidence of effectiveness. The Children of Divorce Intervention Program is described in greater
detail as an example of a preventive program with six controlled studies documenting multiple benefits to
children, including reductions in anxiety, behavior problems, somatic symptoms, and increases in their healthy
adjustment at home and at school. A vision for future research and practice is discussed, including best practices
for adapting children’s programs to court-connected services and a paradigm shift involving systematic preventive
outreach to all separating parents with minor children, before difficulties become rooted and chronic.