This study evaluates the pilot education programme "Children in the Middle" (CiM), a course to help parents prevent stress and trauma for children facing parental conflict and separation. The programme is a preventative intervention aimed at decreasing the risks for children that may arise as a result of their parent's separation. The course consists of two 2-hour sessions over two consecutive weeks and includes didactic presentation, video clips illustrating legal issues, provision for written information, group participation incorporating questions and answers, and discussion. Information collected for the study included both quantitative and qualitative data. Interviews were conducted with parents and key stakeholders. The participants were 76 parents who had separated or were contemplating separation and who were enrolling in the CiM programme, and 8 key stakeholders consisting of 4 Family Court counsellors, 3 lawyers/barristers, and 1 Family Court coordinator. The impact of the CiM programme was assessed in terms of parental knowledge concerning the impact of divorce on children, parent behaviour and communication with their ex-partner, child behaviour, and consumer satisfaction. Results from the quantitative data analysis generally showed an increase in parental knowledge of the implications for children when parents separate. Improvement in children's behaviour and wellbeing was also noted. These changes remained at post-test three to four months later. Reduction in parental conflict became evident and improvement in conciliation was also revealed via parent and stakeholder interviews. Participants reported very high levels of satisfaction with the programme. It was concluded that the evaluation provided evidence for improvements in parenting, particularly concerning the reduction in the exposure of children to conflict. A recommendation is made for the wider implementation of this programme given its success. Note: Since the evaluation of this programme, it has now been officially launched (11 May 2006) and is called, "Parenting Through Separation: How To Help Your Kids When You Separate". The programme is free and is run in over 170 locations around New Zealand by a range of providers who have been approved and contracted to the Ministry of Justice. The providers are individuals or organisations who are experienced in helping families and their children through separation.

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