Introduction

This book has grown out of an obvious need.

A need which is evidenced in our city streets,

our jails, and among our homeless; but also in

our private schools, our churches, and in the

nicest of neighborhoods. The need has been

dramatically felt by all those who have

watched as their children have reacted to the

disruption of the family. It is the need for

early intervention in the lives of those who

are experiencing the break-up of their family.

This was specifically brought to my attention

quite vividly though my involvement with

the Fresh Start Seminars.

Fresh Start Seminars began as a program for

separated and divorced adults; to help them

grow beyond their pain, to a point of accept-

ance in an entirely new lifestyle. The lead-

ership team soon learned that one cannot

effectively address the needs of the separated

and divorced without helping them with their

children. Many of the "single again" listed as

their first concern the emotional survival of

their children. Yet as I listened to their sto-

ries, I became aware that many well educated

adults seemed to be doing it all wrong when it

came the needs of their children. I am writing