Rockland — Home Counselors Inc. announces a merger with the Parent Works program, a Knox County-based workshop series that equips parents to help their children cope with separation and divorce.

Parent Works, implemented in 1998, was developed to address the growing body of evidence that shows children who adjust best to their parents’ separation or divorce have parents who cooperate “skillfully” for their children’s sake.

Attending separate sessions, each parent learns about the impact of separation and divorce on themselves as well as their children. They also learn about the developmental needs of their children and acquire skills for communication and conflict management to support better co-parenting.

Assisting children and families through the difficulties of family life and transitions has been the mission of HCI for more than 25 years. Parent Works is a fitting addition to the range of counseling and educational services offered at HCI, according to a news release from Home Counselors.

HCI has appointed Lauren Armstrong, licensed social worker, to be program coordinator of Parent Works at Home Counselors Inc. Armstrong currently teaches positive parenting skills through HCI’s Family Reunification Program. She is well-informed about the family court requirements, the experience of parents going through separation or divorce and recognizes the critical importance of developing functional co-parenting relationships.

Parent Works is endorsed, promoted and receives funding through the Family Division of the Maine Court System. Parents interested in registering for future workshops or learning more about the Parent Works program should contact Home Counselors Inc. at 596-0359, ext. 117 or visit: homecounselorsinc.org.