Intervention, Prevention, and Support Program for Children of Divorced Parents in the Education System
Children of Divorced Parents: At-Risk Population
According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, one-third of married couples in Israel divorce each year, totaling approximately 15,000 couples. Consequently, there are over 200,000 children of divorced parents in the Israeli education system.
Divorce, though increasingly normalized, is ranked as the second most traumatic life event due to the loss, grief, and disruptions it imposes—especially on children who have no choice in the matter. Studies show that divorced parents often struggle to meet their children’s emotional needs in the years following separation. According to the Council for the Welfare of the Child, divorce is the leading cause of risky behaviors among teens, such as alcohol and drug use and overt sexual behavior.
The Rationale for the Initiative
The “Where is the Child?” initiative was established to provide children of divorced parents with the support and guidance they need to process their parents’ separation. By offering proactive intervention in supportive group settings, the program aims to reduce risky behaviors.
Schools, as natural environments for children, are identified as critical arenas for providing this support through educational staff. This initiative addresses the lack of structured programs in Israel for supporting children of divorced parents, particularly during the current “Operation Swords of Iron,” when such children face additional challenges, including shared custody arrangements, the absence of one parent during emergencies, and complex transitions between homes.
The program also helps children process feelings of loss and grief, which are particularly prevalent in Israel during times of conflict, offering tools that support resilience and emotional well-being.
The Model
“Where is the Child?” will train and support educators with a comprehensive syllabus, equipping them to lead support groups for students of divorced parents in schools.
The initiative is based on the proven intervention model of the U.S.-based Rainbows for All Children organization, which has successfully supported over 4 million children (ages 3–18) in 40 years across 17 countries. The model helps children cope with the grief and loss associated with divorce, adapted to the Israeli cultural context using local research and expertise.
Training Structure
The training includes two phases:
- Frontline Training:
- 30 hours of theoretical and experiential learning across six sessions.
- Participants receive a detailed handbook for leading 12–15 support sessions and a certificate of training in “Where is the Child?” group facilitation in collaboration with Rainbows for All Children.
- Practical Internship:
- Participants will establish and facilitate groups in their schools.
- They will receive ongoing supervision and small-group mentoring, totaling 30 hours.
Training cost for a group of 15–20 teachers: approx. 65,000 ILS.
Leadership and Collaboration
The initiative is led by Maya Morag, an educator, group facilitator specializing in children of divorced parents, and content developer. Maya brings extensive experience working with teens in group processes that help them accept their parents’ separation, build self-confidence, and cope with loss and grief.
Through a partnership with Rainbows for All Children, Maya has developed a tailored Israeli operational model. Recognizing the critical need, the Association for Educational Advancement in Jerusalem has partnered with Maya to develop and implement this initiative.
With over 60 years of experience in Israeli education, the association operates schools, boarding programs, and nationwide educational initiatives. It also serves as an incubator for innovative projects led by educators.
