FAMILIES IN CRISIS
About 300,000 families separate annually and over 4 million children do not live with both their parents (DWP, May 2013).
How can church support parents and children in situations of divorce or separation, serious illness and bereavement? What about the children in need of foster care or adoption?
Home for good
(Krish Kandiah, Hodder & Stoughton)
2015 conference recommendation by Rachel Mlambo
2014 conference recommendation by Krish Kandiah
Filled with stories from people who have adopted or were adopted this book makes the case for a church that can and must make a difference in children’s lives. From their own experience as foster parents, dispelling the popular myth that social services try to prevent Christians from getting involved, Krish argues that whatever the state’s stance might be, it is a part of our calling to get involved where it’s hardest, and to help these children out of the tough realities they find themselves in. Krish and his wife, Miriam, are heading up the Home for Good campaign on behalf of Evangelical Alliance and Care for the Family.
Supporting dying children and their families
(Paul Nash, SPCK)
2015 conference recommendation by Lisa Edwards
This practical guide offers invaluable and sensitive advice for all who work alongside terminally ill children, their families and families who have been bereaved. Paul Nash helpfully describes the different types of care that are needed depending on the age of the child – from baby to teenager – and on the particular needs of the child’s family. He also provides resources to help with remembering and celebrating the life of a child, including rituals that can be used in preparation for death, at the time of death and at funeral or memorial services.
The guide for separated parents: putting children first
(Karen & Nick Woodall, Piatkus)
2015 conference recommendation by Rachel Mlambo
2011 conference recommendation by Paul Fenton & Alex Owen
Children living in separated family situations fare best when their relationship with each of their parents continues to be close. Putting Children First helps mothers and fathers unlock and resolve the conflict around contact with children that can arise during and after separation.
What about the children?
(Julie Lynn Evans, Bantam)
2011 conference recommendation by Paul Fenton & Alex Owen
More than 28 per cent of children in the UK are affected by the separation of their parents. Often they have to cope alone. Julie Lynn Evans helps you to do what she does professionally, by identifying with the children and providing powerful practical tools to overcome their problems. With case studies to illustrate a whole range of symptoms, she demonstrates the myriad ways in which children express their emotions under stress from the ‘dragon child’ to the ‘too-good child’.
Mum and dad glue
(Kes Gray, Hodder)
2015 conference recommendation by Rachel Morfin & Katy Hall
A little boy tries to find a pot of parent glue to stick his mum and dad back together. His parents have come undone and he wants to mend their marriage, stick their smiles back on and make them better. This rhyming story is brilliantly told with a powerful message that even though his parents may be broken, their love for him is not.
Two homes
(Claire Masurel & Kady MacDonald, Walker)
2011 conference recommendation by Paul Fenton & Alex Owen
Written for children, addressing separation and divorce.
Maya goes to hospital
Josh stays in hospital
Sam and his special book
Jesus still loves Joe
(Victoria Beech & the Paediatric Chaplaincy Network, Christian Education)
Four books written for children that address going to hospital, long-term hospital stays, life-limiting illness and death of a sibling.
Sue says: Four books you should buy but hope you never have to lend or give to anyone.
Care for the Family
Care for the Family have a useful resource sheet on how you can help bereaved parents.
Child Bereavement UK
…supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Home for Good
A joint initiative from Care for the Family, CCPAS and the Evangelical Alliance, campaigning to make adoption and fostering a significant part of the life and ministry of churches.
Helping children and families through loss and grief
(Lisa Edwards, 2015 conference)
How do we support families when a death occurs on our church community? Ways to ensure helpful support is given and we have open and honest dialogue with our children about loss.
Delegate rating 9/10
Supporting families that foster and adopt
(Kay Morgan-Gurr, 2015 conference)
Families who foster and adopt need support. many of the children have additional needs including attachment disorder. Learn how to support them.
Delegate rating 9/10
Making the most of 1:1 time
(Katy Hall & Rachel Morfin, 2015 conference)
How coaching conversations can become an invaluable tool within your children’s work, supporting children and families through times of difficulty at home and at school.
Delegate rating 8/10
When dads aren’t there
(Rachel Mlambo, 2015 conference)
How to support families where parents have separated. Ways that churches can help fathers maintain contact with their children. mentoring children where dads are absent.
Delegate rating 7/10