In Connecticut, parents involved in a divorce or initial custody action must complete a Parenting Education Program if the case involves children under age 18.
The program is designed to educate parents on the developmental stages of children, adjustment of children to parental separation, dispute resolution and conflict management for parents, guidelines for visitation, stress reduction in children and cooperative parenting.
The feedback I have received from clients regarding the program has generally been positive. Although parts of the program may seem elementary to some participants there is surely something to be learned by virtually any parent.
A few points:
Parents may attend together but are not required to do so.
Online courses do not fulfill the requirement. Online parenting courses do not provide for interactive participation through questions and answers and role playing scenarios. In addition, since the Parenting Education Program is ordered for the benefit of the children, the convenience of the parents should not be the primary consideration.
The Notice of Automatic Orders requires that parents complete the program within sixty days of the commencement of the case. However, the issue of whether a parent has completed the program does not usually arise until the case is disposed unless the case has had extensive court involvement. Nothwithstanding, I encourage parents to complete the program as soon as possible so they may put into play what they have learned.
Completion of the Parenting Education Program is among the “best interest” factors a judge may consider when deciding custody and visitation issues.
Please contact me if you have questions about the requirements of the Parenting Education Program in Connecticut.