Who attends Kids’ Turn Workshops?
Any parents and children going through divorce or separation.
How are the workshops structured and where are they offered?
The support groups are presented weekly for one hour at Children’s Home + Aid, 403 South State Street, Bloomington. Groups run on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Children are served a light snack. Children ages 5 to 17 years can participate in the groups. Childcare can be provided for children less than 5 years of age by making arrangements with the group leader.
Is there a cost to attend?
The Kids’ Turn Support Group is free unless you require a certificate of completion for Court to fulfill Parents Education requirements. There is a one-time charge of $75.00 to obtain this certificate. Certificates will be distributed and filed with the Court after you have attended 4 consecutive sessions of Kids’ Turn.
What does the money go toward?
All money goes towards program operations including parent handbooks, lending library, children’s handbooks, children’s art and group materials, food and drinks for children and parents and administrative costs to provide and file certificates.
Is the program confidential?
Yes. Whatever participants in the support groups discuss remains confidential between the support group participants. You are required to sign an agreement /consent form explaining Kids’ Turn staff may not be subpoenaed to testify in divorce or custody proceedings. The only exceptions to this are governed by the laws concerning mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect or intent to harm oneself or others. If court ordered to attend, the court will be advised of parent completion of the program.
What if the children are with their other parent every other week and that parent is not attending the workshops, can my children miss those sessions?
Yes.
Will I receive feedback or information about how my child is doing in his or her workshop?
Since one main purpose of the program is to provide a safe place for children and parents to discuss their experience about changes in their families, support group leaders do not share specific information about individuals in the children’s and parents’ support groups. Of course, if there is any indication that a child is in danger for any reason, this will be discussed with that child’s parent(s), unless such a discussion is believed to further jeopardize the child’s safety. We encourage children and parents to communicate directly with one another about their activities during the support groups, and try to teach them skills for doing so. Should you have general questions or concerns about your child’s participation, ask the group leader.
Is childcare available while I am attending the parent’s workshop?
Kids’ Turn can provide childcare for children 3 and under. Please contact staff at (309) 834-5227 at least a week before the session to make arrangements
What do I do if I have a problem about something that happens in Kids’ Turn?
Any problems should be discussed first with Parents Care + Share Coordinator Aly Becker at (309) 834-5224.
I think my child is having problems adjusting to the divorce. Will Kids’ Turn help him or her?
Kids’ Turn is a support program, which teaches skills that will help children and parents cope with changes in themselves and their families. Many people who have completed the program report that it helped them learn that they were not alone in dealing with their problems, and some new ways of understanding and handling their situation. However, Kids’ Turn is not psychotherapy and does not take the place of therapy. It does not address the individual problems, feelings and thoughts of support group participants, nor is it likely to be successful in solving problems of a long-standing and serious nature. The program may, however, serve as an important step in developing solutions to problems resulting from separation, divorce or custody conflicts. Research on Kids’ Turn has shown that children feel less like the divorce is their fault at the end of the support groups.
How soon after separating should our family attend Kids’ Turn?
Families choose to attend Kids’ Turn anytime after the parents have stopped living together. Some families have been separated for a few weeks, others for many years.
What if I need more help than Kids’ Turn can provide?
Kids’ Turn provides participants with information about community organizations that can offer additional help if needed.
Do both parents have to attend the workshop?
Kids’ Turn requires that at least one parent participate in the program. Our experience is that children benefit most when both parents participate. The position of the program is to strongly encourage participation of both parents.
Do I have to attend every session?
No. However, consistent attendance will allow parents and children to get the most support from the groups and from the program.
Can step-parents or significant others attend Kids’ Turn parent workshops?
While Kids’ Turn recognizes that stepparents and significant others are important and central members of families, this program is not set up to accommodate their participation.
Will participation in Kids’ Turn count towards the four-hour court mandated divorce education required in Illinois per rule 924?
Yes. There is a one-time fee of $75.00 for this service.
Location: 403 S. State St., Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 309-827-0374
Hours: Open Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kids' Turn Meetings: Wed, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
To Enroll: contact Shontelle Hunt at 309-827-0374 ext. 4301 or shunt@childrenshomeandaid.org
