[Separation and divorce counseling in child guidance centers with special reference to criteria of child development].

A socio-ecological concept of counseling in situations of separation and divorce is presented in this article, dividing the process of counseling into specific levels of intervention and phases of divorce. The child's occupation with separation and divorce depends on the level of socio-cognitive development as well as defense and coping strategies. A particular danger of diffusion of roles and of parentifying the child exists in these families. For the long-termed developmental prognosis the degree of cross-linkage and protective factors in the child's environment are vital. The article refers to results of longitudinal studies and research in invulnerability. Furthermore the results of an empirical inquiry at German counseling boards concerning the work with families of divorce are presented.