ENGLISH

ABOUT THE KINDBEHARTIGE

The Kindbehartiger / Child’s voice interpreter / Child Consultant

Who is the Kindbehartiger:
- A specialist with knowledge how to talk to children, who meets with children, who gives feedback back to parents about the wishes, needs, experiences and development of children in a divorce situation.
- Social science trained professional and certified for using child inclusive methods.

What is the role of a ‘Kindbehartiger’?

The ‘Kindbehartiger’ acts as a consultant and translator regarding the voices, wishes, experiences and (developmental) needs of children in divorce situations.  The ‘Kindbehartiger’ enables children to share their experiences of family divorce such that these feelings, wishes and (developmental) needs can be better understood by their parents and other professionals. The 'Kindbehartiger' talks and plays with children using methods adapted to the child's age, language and development.
The 'Kindbehartiger' analyses the child's relationship with each parent and discusses the needs and wishes for the future. The 'Kindbehartiger' gives advise regarding the position of children and offers parents ideas in the best interest of children.
The 'Kindbehartiger' offers a tailored approach and can occur in different contexts, where the work can look differently, however the intent of the work of the Kindbehartiger will always be the same.

The aim of the 'Kindbehartiger is to instil a sense of confidence and safety in every child going through their parents’ divorce.

A  ‘KINDBEHARTIGER’ OFFERS SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF

• tailored approach to the family and context of children;
• listening and supporting children;
• child-friendly explanation about the current situation and conveyance of what they wish to voice;
• an insight into the feelings, wishes, experiences and development of children;
• insight and tools about the way parents cooperate and communicate and how this affects children;
• tools for practical matters such as daily care and how to raise children after a divorce;
• effective partnerships with other (social) professionals, authorities and the legal field  with clear roles and resposibilities;
• report and advice;
• knowledge and transparency.

The video is based on a modal family and explains the role of a ‘Kindbehartiger’. The text is in Dutch, but check out the links listed below to read the translated texts as well as other ‘Kindbehartiger’ documents.