Center for Dispute Solutions, Inc. (CDSI)
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FAQ'
Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Education for Divorcing and Never Married Parents
Q. What is this parent education class about?
A. The class has been designed for the purpose of sharing information with parents about the impact of conflict or divorce on children. The class provides parents with an opportunity to explore the following topics:
Q. Why does the court require people to attend a class?
A. The period of divorce or separation is often a very difficult time for children as well as parents. Studies conducted by researchers indicate that parents who attend a parent education class are better able to work cooperatively for the benefit of their children, and that such classes may keep them from having to return to court in the future. Both parents and courts around the country report co-parent education classes are helpful and appear to be of great benefit to children and parents.
Q. I am not interested in communicating with my child's other parent and therefore do not need to build communication shills. Why must I still take the class?
A. Not communicating with the other parent may make you feel better. However, it can create an uncomfortable situation for your child. When there is absolutely no communication between parents, children become messengers delivering messages from one parent to another. Even if you do not like your child's other parent, the class teaches you ways to develop a business relationship with that parent…the business of raising healthy children. Putting your child in the middle of parental conflict adds more stress to their lives. The course will also teach parallel parenting skills for those who are not able to communicate.
Q. What if there is domestic violence in my relationship?
A. The program shares information about parallel parenting and domestic violence and can help you get the support and information you need to be safe.
Q. Is this a class that teaches parenting skills?
A. This is not a “parenting” skills class but it does teach effective communication skills. The focus of this class will be on how children and adults react to separation, divorce, and changes in the family. It will also help you to understand what you can do to make changes easier for your children.
Q. I'm already a good parent! Do I have to attend this class?
A. Having to attend this class doesn't mean you aren't already a good parent The court wants you to attend this class in order to get as much information as possible to assist you in helping your child through what may be a very difficult period of adjustment.
Q. Will I have to attend the class with the other parent?
A. No. The court recognizes that for some people this would be an uncomfortable situation.
Q. What if a parent doesn't attend the class as ordered?
A. Contempt sanctions may occur for failure to attend a class when they have been ordered by the court.
Q. I have a good working relationship with my child's other parent, and we agree completely about custody and visitation. Do we still have to attend?
A. The class is not just for those parents who are fighting over visitation or custody. Working together is just one of several topics covered by the class. There are many other topics discussed in the class that even parents who are getting along can benefit from when raising their children. Creating a good parenting plan that is developmentally appropriate is critical to your child’s well-being.
Q. My child's other parent currently does not reside in Wyoming. Do they have to come back to Wyoming to take this class?
A. If you or the other parent currently does not reside in Wyoming, you both may be able to satisfy the requirements of the Co-Parent Education class by attending a comparable class in the area where you each reside. There are hundreds of such Co-Parent Education classes around the country. You may wish to contact the court in your jurisdiction for information about programs available in your area.
Q. The other parent has never been involved in my child's life and doesn't want to be. Do I still have to attend the class?
A. The situation of an uninvolved parent can pose problems for children as well as unique challenges for the custodial parent. The Co-Parent Education class will provide information and suggestions that may be useful to you in helping your child cope with rejection and in raising your child.
Q. My child and I have been going to counseling about my divorce. Do I still have to go to the class?
A. The importance of counseling is one of the topics discussed in a Co-Parent Education class. Although your counselor might help you with some of the issues mentioned in the class, this educational class may provide you with information not provided in counseling and may complement whatever information you are given during your counseling sessions.
Q. Who teaches the classes and what are their qualifications?
A. The program will be conducted by at least one presenter who possesses a graduate degree in a related field and has relevant experience in a number of areas, including child welfare and family dynamics.
Q. I have never been married to my children’s other parent. Do I still need to go to the class?
A. The class is as much for never married parents as it is for divorcing parents. All the information applies equally to divorcing and never married parents.
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