Description
Despite the child´s right to participate in divorce proceeding the practice shows that the principle of the child's best interest is overshadowed by the parent´s interests. The project primarily focuses on decision-making processes related to child custody in divorce proceedings, in which the child and his/her right to express himself/herself is a key element. The project will be implemented in three consecutive phases. The first stage will focus on collection and analysis of data on relevant client cases. This stage will be followed by the creation of two types of methodological materials. The development of methodological materials will be followed-up by their pilot testing in practice and possible revisions. The last and most important activity is the creation of two educational programmes. The project targets children which will actively participate in the process of creating the methodologies. The second target group is judges, social workers etc. who will gain more information about the child´s participation in the divorce proceedings. The partner will be fully involved and contribute to the project achieving its goals. The additional activities (approved in June 2016) are extending and follow previous activities. Apart from the original problematic additional activities are deeply focusing on issue of parent alienation syndrome (PAS) and the syndrome of maltreated and abused child (CAN). The project contributes significantly to the proper assignments of experts who seek the view of children on matters which concern them directly.
Summary of project results
One of the most important decision-making processes where children are involved is a divorce. But sadly, children´s voices are not heard enough in this stressful and never ending process. Parents´ rights are often put before children´s rights. The project aimed at the principle of the best interest of a child, its application and the principle of perceiving a child as a subject in the whole process. 617 participants were trained in involving children in decision-making processes. Two methodologies, written as a part of the project, were used for the training: When (not) to Involve Children in Decision- Making Processes in Family Matters and Practical Techniques of Involving Children in Decision-Making Processes. Some of the participants were also supervised and coached in the techniques. Two specific techniques were eveloped during the project to find out children´s opinions and needs: Submarine World and Stimulating Cards. The employees of the Crisis Centre were also trained in the non-verbal technique Sandplay. Over 4,000 children were involved in the project either in therapeutic work carried out by the project partner – civic association THEIA or in primary prevention in the Crisis Centre itself. The project partner THEIA also published a booklet Possible Prevention of Risk Behaviour at Children in the connection with the prevention programmes. The key outcome of the project is a book Whose game is it? It summarizes the organization´s approach to involvement of children in decision-making processes. 1,000 copies of the book were published and distributed to all the Social and Legal Protection of Children Authorities in the Czech Republic and to selected non-governmental organizations. In addition, 5 picture booklets for children were published that help them to orientate themselves in confusing clerical apparatus. The project was closed by a conference where all the project activities and different views on involving children in decision-making processes were presented. The project enabled the Crisis centre to work in-depth involving children and to approach the topic practically. A lot of practical tools were created to find out children´s needs and opinions ever after the project completion.
Summary of bilateral results