ABSTRACT
A group of experts from developmental and clinical psychology, sociology, social welfare, and law met at a conference center in Middleburg, Virginia on December 1–4, 1994, under the sponsorship of the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 1 The group’s mandate was to evaluate existing knowledge regarding the ways in which children are affected by divorce and the varying custody arrangements that follow it. Many of the discussions also addressed the ways in which the adverse effects of divorce might be ameliorated by changes in policy or practice. This document represents a statement cosigned by most of the participants summarizing areas of agreement regarding the current status of knowledge in this area and outlining topics in need of further research. The report is designed to guide various legislatures, the judiciary, the bar, and the various mental health professionals who are involved in counseling or educating families experiencing separation or divorce, as well as those who mediate or adjudicate the disputes regarding the custody of minor children. The preliminary draft of this consensus document was prepared by Michael E. Lamb and Kathleen J. Sternberg following the 3-day conference, with additional redrafting by Ross A. Thompson. The draft was reviewed and revised by the other participants over the ensuing months. This report, revised in accordance with the participants’ comments, is a product of this process.
