JewishCare helps two-home children
In a new program, “Two Houses, One Suitcase, No Worries”, Sydney’s JewishCare is tackling the problems encountered by children whose parents have separated or become divorced.
l-r Janine Zimbler, Nikki Kaplan, Andy Aronstan and Deputy Principal Garron Forman
JewishCare psychologists Andy Aronstan and Nikki Kaplan recently teamed up with Mt Sinai school counsellor Janine Zimbler, introducing to the school a program for pupils between 6 and 12 years old whose parents were no longer living together.
The program was designed to help the six children who participated understand what has happened to their family and to provide an outlet through whcih the children could openly discuss their feelings.
Participating in creative activities, the children were able to share feelings and experiences helping them reduce the sensation of isolation or guilt as well as being able to develop strategies to help them deal with their new experiences.
Nikki Kaplan said: “Many children did not want the sessions to end. The program was an overwhelming success.”
Reports were submitted to the parents resulting in referrals for ongoing JewishCare counselling.
JewishCare is looking into extending the program to other Jewish schools.
According to JewishCare up to 50% of children will experience the divorce or separation of their parents.
