STATE OF CONNECTICUT
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Information About
Parenting Education Programs
Introduction:
What are Parenting Education Programs?
The law requires the Judicial Branch (the part of the government that runs the court system) to establish parenting education programs for people involved in most court cases in the Family Division of the court. The primary goal of this law is to make sure that parents are aware of the many issues and problems children face when their family situation changes. The programs are designed to educate parents about how to help children handle problems and changes in their family such as divorce or living apart. The law requires that the programs include information about the developmental stages of children, helping children adjust to parent separation, how to provide cooperative parenting, parental dispute resolution and conflict management, guidelines for visitation, and stress reduction for children.
How much will it cost to go to the program?
The cost will be $100 per person and will be paid directly to the agency or person running the program. If a person cannot afford to pay the fee, that person can ask the court for permission to attend free of charge.
How long is each program?
The programs will take six hours. This can be in 2 three-hour classes or 3 two-hour classes.
How do I apply?
An application/certification form is available at all Superior Court Judicial District Clerks’ Offices.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
In order to participate in a parenting education program you must make the arrangements yourself. Following is a list of the programs approved by the court. You can attend any program in the state. You must call the programs directly to obtain specific information concerning dates, times, and locations of the classes as well as the registration procedures and fee arrangements. Be sure to tell them if you have been ordered to complete the program by a certain date. Remember to bring the parenting education certification form with you to the first class.
IMPORTANT
Parents may consider attending the program together. However, you are not required to do so. If, for any reason, you do not wish to attend the same class as your child’s other parent, tell the program when you call to register to put you in separate classes. All programs will do this for you.
If you are afraid of your child’s other parent, or that you might be in danger if you go to class together, you can tell the program when you register to put you in separate classes. Also, you can register to go to a completely different program location than the one your child’s other parent is going to attend. Remember, you can go to any program in the state
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