Parent Education And Family Stabilization

If you have a pending Dissolution of Marriage case, or pending Paternity action, you’ve likely received an Order requiring that you attend a “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.”

A large number of children going through the divorce or separation of their parents each year. Legal proceedings often cause conflicts between parents. Ultimately, children suffer from parental conflict. This could lead to short-term and/or long-term consequences.

Therefore, to limit the potential for negative consequences, the courts require a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course be taken by both parents to provide information to each parent showing the “behind-the-scenes” process Judge’s complete when making decisions on issues affecting the children.

The Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course should be completed at the earliest stages of your pending legal matter, but must be completed before the conclusion of the same.

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) approves parenting courses with the following minimum requirements:

1. 4 hour minimum length
2. Information regarding spousal and child abuse and neglect
3. Educational in nature, not therapeutic

What Do These Classes Cover?

Approved Parenting Courses can cover a wide range of topics, but primarily covers issues related to custody, care, time-sharing, and support of a child or children including, but not limited to:

1. Legal aspects of deciding child-related issues between parents
2. Emotional aspects of separation and divorce on adults
3. Emotional aspects of separation and divorce on children
4. Family relationships and family dynamics
5. Financial responsibilities to a child or children
6. Issues regarding spousal or child abuse and neglect
7. Skill-based relationship education that may be generalized to parenting, workplace, school, neighborhood, and civic relationships

I Took My Course, Now What?

If you’ve completed your course, please submit your certificate of completion to our office via email and we will ensure the Certificate is properly filed with the Court.

Provider List

Please follow this link to find a list of providers based on your respective circuit. Parent Education and Family Stabilization Courses (LIST)

Additionally, please reach out to our office to confirm if an online course is acceptable in your particular matter.

Thank you!