Speaking for Themselves: Hope for Children Caught in High Conflict Custody and Access Disputes Involving Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 245452
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 311-324
• Author(s): Sarah Fotheringham; Jean Dunbar; Dale Hensley
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the Speaking for Themselves (SFT) project.

Abstract

The Speaking for Themselves (SFT) project sought to enhance the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of children exposed to domestic violence and high conflict custody and access disputes. Children were provided with both a trauma therapist and a lawyer, in an attempt to ensure their well-being while providing decisionmakers with reliable and authentic information about these children's circumstances. This project was an attempt to balance the "best interests" approach applied in family law decisionmaking with the value placed on a child's right to be heard, an approach espoused by children's rights advocates. This article presents the SFT philosophy, model program, and evaluation results. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.