Family Disruption: Supporting Children Through Separation or Divorce
Jun 06, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Divorce or separation can be a difficult and challenging experience for children. They may feel a sense of loss, confusion, anger, and sadness when their parents separate. Changes in routine and living arrangements can be stressful, affecting their sense of stability and security. It's essential to acknowledge and address these challenges to help children navigate the transition successfully. With the right support and guidance, children can adjust to new family dynamics and maintain positive relationships with both parents.
Join our expert panelists to discuss strategies to support children during these challenging times and tips to help them adjust to a new normal, as well as explore options to help avoid what can often become a contentious legal process.
This event is designed for professionals who work with families as well as parents going through the separation or divorce process and those supporting children through this difficult time.
Register Now
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leader in providing social services to our community and is proud to host this virtual conversation with:
Tiffany McCarthy, LCSW
Senior Director, Family Support
Family & Children's Agency
Tiffany has been with FCA since 1997 when she started in the Agency's homeless services programs. Now Senior Director of Family Support, Tiffany oversees programs working with families involved with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). She also teaches the Parent Education Program (PEP) for families involved in family court for issues pertaining to separation, divorce, custody, and visitation.
Tiffany has served as Chair of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies’ Parent Oversight Committee since 2006. She is a trained facilitator in Focus on KIDS, a program designed to assist high-conflict separated, divorced, or divorcing parents learn skills to work together in parenting.
She earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Western New England College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University.
Maurice Segall
Attorney Mediator and FCA Senior Board of Advisors member
Maurice is an experienced attorney mediator who’s worked successfully with many couples to reach mutually agreeable resolutions of their divorce, post-divorce, and prenuptial and postnuptial matter.
He is a member of the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce, and a former Board member of its predecessor organization.
Maurice has served as trainer for Dr. Carl Schneider of Mediation Matters, and as a consultant mediator for the Stamford Counseling Center in Stamford, CT. He is a member of the Connecticut and New York State Bars. He is an honors graduate of the University of Delaware and of Albany Law School of Union University.
Maurice was the first practicing attorney ever to receive the prestigious Liberty Bell Award from the FCBA, given to one recipient each year for outstanding community service.
Jessica Vivenzio, LCSW
Dierctor, Behavioral Health
Family & Children's Agency
Jessica has extensive experience working with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds in various treatment modalities, from home-based services to intensive outpatient programs for those experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Addiction (CCTSA).
Jessica strives to support individuals and families seeking positive changes in their lives, and assists them in developing and strengthening the skills needed to effectively manage life stressors, symptoms of substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
Jessica earned a bachelor's in Psychology from Fairfield University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University.
Moderated by
Robert F. Cashel, LCSW
President & CEO
Family & Children's Agency
For more than 17 years, Rob has been President & CEO of FCA, where he is responsible for the multi-service human service organization with more than 200 staff. Rob has developed key partnerships in the community while also establishing formal relationships with numerous private and corporate foundations.
Rob, a licensed clinical social worker, is currently on the Board and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA) and is also on the Board of Norwalk ACTS. Rob has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. He is also a certified marriage and family therapist and a certified alcoholism counselor.