Parenting Coordinator                    Ginny Kelly, MSW, LICSW
	Parenting coordination is a relatively new alternative dispute intervention that is used to manage high-conflict custody and visitation cases.  The frustration and expense of repeated trips to court takes a toll on families. Parenting Coordinators (PCs) can help resolve issues without litigation.  PCs are typically lawyers or therapists who have experience working with families where there is conflict about child-related issues.  A PC can help the parents mediate, for example, when the children will spend time with each parent during school holidays and vacations.  PCs can help parents communicate more effectively by serving as a buffer between them.  If parents are stuck in old communication dynamics, a PC can serve as an objective third-party with whom both parents can speak freely, thereby improving parental communication. It is not divorce that harms children . It is continued conflict between parents that can cause children to become angry and depressed, anxious and withdrawn. Parenting Coordinators are typically useful when co-parents who share legal decision-making authority cannot resolve an upcoming major life decision for the child(ren). Examples include: Elective surgery School placement Special education enrollment Summer activities, camps and travel Relocation issues Visitation, transition and contact issues
	Ginny has been trained in mediation and was the former coordinator of the    Family Skills Program, for 10 years, which worked with adolescents at risk of placement and their families, mediating contracts to keep them at home. She has over 12 years experience working with children, couples, and families as a family therapist. She is knowledgeable with the issues related to separation and divorce from the parents' and child's viewpoints. To set up an initial appt, call 508-947-1683