Drawing on a three-year multidisciplinary study of children of divorced parents, the authors, leading academics in their fields, present a much-needed guide to understanding the experience of children who are experiencing parental separation. This book provides an in-depth account of how children are actively involved in the process of divorce and how they shape that experience. The topics discussed include how children find out that their parents are separating; how children tell other people about what is happening to them and their family; how parent-child relationships change after separation and ways in which children adapt and cope during and immediately after their parents' divorce.

The authors show what children want and need to know as the process of divorce unfolds and how professionals can respond appropriately to help them to understand and adjust to their changing circumstances. Divorcing Children addresses the weaknesses of current legislation in family justice and suggests ways of improving the skills and knowledge of all professionals who work with children during this difficult period in children's lives.

Ian Butler is Professor of Social Work at Bath University and is currently seconded to the Welsh Assembly Government where he is Cabinet Advisor on Children and Young People's policy. He has published widely in the area of childcare practice and public policy. Lesley Scanlan is a Research Associate based in the Family Studies Research Centre, Cardiff University. Margaret Robinson is a Senior Research Associate based in the Family Studies Research Centre, Cardiff University. Gillian Douglas is a Professor at the Law School, Cardiff University. Mervyn Murch is a Professor at the Law School, Cardiff University, and has 30 years' experience in social care research.

Introduction: Divorcing Children. 1. Children and Divorce: Developments in Policy and Practice. 2. Finding Out. 3. Telling Others. 4. Parent-Child Relationships. 5. Contact. 6. Change and Adaptation. 7. Legal Aspects. 8. Conclusions. Appendix: How to Listen to Children. References. Index.