Catching Them Before Too Much Damage is Done: Early Intervention with Resistance-Refusal Dynamics

Children often need help before their parents are ready to stop fighting. Children at the center of high‐conflict disputes, particularly those who resist contact with a parent, face extraordinary risks of maladjustment. Years of investigation and litigation may precede any meaningful attempt at intervention, based on the questionable belief that all elements of causality (or blame) must be established before any effective treatment can occur. Children's functioning may continue to deteriorate during this time, undermining their future adjustment and reducing the chance of successful intervention later. We illustrate the application of the coping‐focused, multisystemic Child Centered Conjoint Therapy model to assisting these families. Methods to assist children without compromising external investigations are discussed. Key Points for the Family Court Community: Children at the center of conflict often exhibit dysfunction early, failing to master developmental tasks or developing other symptoms. Trained professionals can identify problem behaviors and intervene early, before problems become entrenched. It is not always necessary to conclusively assign blame or the causes of dysfunction in order to assist the child. Early intervention allows better integration with the child's natural world and activities. With disciplined procedures, effective treatment can occur without tainting or interfering with external investigations or evaluations.