Kids' Turn is one of the most valuable tools the family court has in dealing with the divorce process. It is the only program which engages children and assists them to deal with the changes in their lives. As an additional bonus from Kids' Turn, I have observed that while the children are benefiting, the parents are learning about their children. The parents are also learning what their children need. They become more sensitive and therefore better parents.

I have experienced the program actually change a parent's attitude toward divorce. I have also had parents decide not to litigate an issue after completing the Kids' Turn program. For example, in one case a father decided not to move to another state because of the effect the litigation over the issue would have on the child.

The young people of course love to be in a group setting with others who are going through the same experiences. It is always reassuring to have contact with people who are having similar experiences. Children in particular do not share their fears and concerns with their peers, so the group experience is particularly valuable.

The program also puts the parents in a better frame of mind to mediate custody and visitation issues. Mediators have told me that parents completely change their attitude toward visitation after completing the Kids' Turn program. For some parents who are particularly hostile, they will not even attempt to mediate until the parents have completed the program. They report the change is very dramatic.

Without a program like Kids' Turn, the court has very little in the way of tools to change attitudes or behaviors of parents. Traditional methods such as sanctions, contempt orders, lectures to the parents or suggestions for therapy are completely ineffectual to deal with parents locked in combat and using their child or children as a weapon in their fight. This is one of the great strengths of Kids' Turn; it is an excellent and effective program which produces positive results and tangible changes.

Hon. Ina Levin Gyemant, Founder
Kids’ Turn