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In developing this psycho-educational course, Elaine and Sandy were seeking to address a gap in
service for those families experiencing separation and divorce. Their vision: for adults to learn to
effectively co-parent through separation/divorce for the benefit of the children involved; for children
to build resiliency to separation/divorce as a result of their parents co-parenting more effectively; for
children to maintain access to both of their parents and extended families in spite of this life change.
The original program was piloted in 2003 through the support of The Rotary Club and Rockyview
Child and Family Service. The pilot group evaluated the program extremely well, and since that
time, it has been operating open to the entire community, with the generous support of numerous
community partners including The Calgary Foundation, United Way of Calgary and Area, The
Rosslyn Steinberg Family Life Education Fund and private donors.
Effective Co-Parenting: Putting Kids First is delivered at Jewish Family Service Calgary one
evening per week for six consecutive weeks. A maximum of fourteen participants attend the program
in diverse groups comprised of both biological parents, single moms and single dads, and blended
family parents. All ages, backgrounds, religions and stages in the separation/divorce process attend.
Participants are pre-screened prior to being accepted to the program, to ensure group balance and
appropriateness. Participants attend the program by professional and self-referral. There is a subsidy
process in place to ensure accessibility for all. Each week of the program has a specific course content
that is supported by written handouts and materials for participants. A variety of program methods
include a video tape, group discussion and exercises, personal reflection and homework and facilitator
presentations.
The course is not therapy based but rather offers skills, strategies, resources and support for
participants who are moving through the process of separation/divorce. Where necessary, community
referrals for counseling are recommended.
The facilitators of this course, Elaine Bucknum and Sandy Shuler, have between them over forty
years of professional expertise in clinical couple counseling, family mediation and family and parent
education. Sandy has personally experienced divorce and has co-parented five children in a blended
family.
From the time that this course was developed, participant feedback helped to inform the program.
Funders are continually pleased to learn that evaluations from participants rate this program very
highly. Attached are testimonials from course participants.
Objectives:
Target Group:
This program is designed for all gendered parents of children who are separated/divorced including stepparents. All ages, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome.
Group Rules for Participants and Leaders:
1. Respect each participants right to be unique and have different experiences, perception. Tolerance
and acceptance of one anothers thoughts, feelings.
2. Do share your own experiences, thoughts, feelings; but share air time without monopolizing.
Participate as you feel comfortable.
3. Right to privacy; confidentiality is a must within the group.
4. Be responsible for your own learning needs; by participating in homework, reading and discussions,
the program will be more meaningful. If your needs are not being met, speak to the leaders
directly.
5. Timing: if we begin promptly, we wend promptly. If away, notify the leaders.
Course Methods:
There will be a combination of leaders presentations, group exercises and discussions, video tapes and
handouts throughout the six week program. Weekly reading and homework will be provided.
Course Outline:
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Group Facilitators:
Elaine Bucknum is a registered family mediator and a clinical social worker in private practice. Her specialty is
working with individuals and families on relationship issues, and who are in the stages of separation/divorce.
Sandy Shuler is a registered social worker and a Certified Canadian Family Educator who works in the area of
family life education as a private contractor/consultant. She has experienced divorce personally and is remarried in
a blended family.
Signature: __________________________
Witness: __________________________
Date: __________________________