Education Programs for Separated and Divorcing Parents
Hundreds of courts and communities across the country have implemented education programs for separated or divorcing parents over the last decade. These programs are frequently mandated by courts for parents of minor children who are either filing for divorce or persons involved in custody litigation. Programs focus on children's needs when parents separate and when children are being raised in separate households. The primary goal is to prevent emotional harm to children by providing the most up-to-date education on how separation and divorce affects adults and children, and what parents can do to help children adjust to their parents' separation.
Education programs for divorcing and separated parents symbolize one of the most innovative, promising court reforms to address children's needs progressively and constructively. The Institute is proud to be among agencies and institutions nationwide working in partnership with local courts to offer these programs.
At present, we provide 4-hour educational programs in seven Pennsylvania Counties (five Judicial Districts). Mandate criteria vary by district.
Since 1995, more than 7,000 parents have attended our programs, and the feedback from parents has been positive and promising. In 2003, our programs received an Award of Excellence from the University Continuing Education Association Mid-Atlantic Region. We are currently developing programs in other Pennsylvania counties and can extend our services to meet requests elsewhere as well.
Program Content
The programs examine:
- The effects of divorce on adults and children
- A videotape of children's views on divorce
- Parenting arrangements to fit children's needs
- The pitfalls of putting children “in the middle”
- Conflict and problem solving
- Readings and resources for parents and children
These programs can benefit any person working with children of divorce. This includes mental health professionals, domestic relations officers, adult children of divorced parents, grandparents, stepparents, foster parents, extended families, remarried individuals, educators, and family-services providers.
The programs are taught by trained personnel under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer A. Mastrofski, Associate Professor in the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute at Penn State. Dr. Mastrofski has studied and worked with family judges and courts on divorce-related issues for almost 20 years.
You can contract with the Institute to bring these programs to your county, see Arrange a Program.
Programs