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Overview of the Contact Process
(Involves both parents before any action is taken)
- One parent calls and leaves a message on private voicemail.
- Call is returned (usually the same day) with brief discussion of steps in co-parenting process. Process is on hold until there is contact with the second parent.
- When second parent calls, there is brief discussion of the steps in the co-parenting process and an individual appointment is scheduled.
- The first parent is immediately re-contacted and an individual appointment is scheduled.
The order of these appointments is dependent upon schedules – who goes first is not important.
If the second parent has not made contact after one week, the first parent is advised of this fact and the process remains on hold until the second parent makes contact.
(One with each parent)
After a telephone conversation takes place with each parent, an individual meeting is scheduled.
The length of each parent’s meeting is up to that parent. These meetings accomplish several
things:
- Documentation is completed and status of legal proceedings is determined.
- Each parent provides his/her history, perspective, assessment of the children, and goals.
- Information that is difficult for one parent to discuss in front of the other can be shared.
- Information is gathered from which a possible agenda for the conjoint meeting is constructed.
- Each parent is prepared for the conjoint meeting.
Meetings are now being conducted via Zoom
(This is the real start of the process)
- Goals (i.e., purpose and conduct) of meeting are determined.
- Expectations for parent behavior in meetings and between meetings are established.
- An agenda of specific issues to be discussed is created and initial conversations begin.
Meetings are now being conducted via Zoom
(With both parents, ideally weekly for at least several meetings)
- Between-meeting behavior is discussed with parents
- Upcoming events and decisions are discussed conjointly
- Agreements and decisions made in meeting are recorded and reviewed in future meetings
- Tone and manor of parent communications in the room are noted and discussed
- Tone and manor of parent communications in the room are noted and discussed
- Positive things that both parents can tell the children are identified
Meetings are now being conducted via Zoom