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Family Education Program
Help for Separating or Divorcing Parents

What is the Family Education Program?

Parents have a great deal of control over how their children come through the separation or divorce process and whether they develop into healthy, well adjusted individuals. Family education is offered to help separating or divorcing parents better understand the effects of their breakup on their children and to give them information and ideas about how to make the new family situation easier and more livable for themselves and their children.

Who can attend?

You may be referred or ordered by a judge to the Family Education Program if you are the parent of a child under the age of eighteen and you are involved in a court action or proceeding that affects the interests of that child, such as custody and/or visitation, divorce, separation, annulment, or child support. Many participants are voluntary, and may be referred by an attorney, psychologist, counselor, mediator, pediatrician, clergy member, school counselor or others.

How is the program run?

The Family Education Program consists of two sessions, three and one half hours in length, held one week apart. You will not be placed in the same class as the other parent of your child(ren). The classes may be taught by family therapists, social workers, psychologists, judges, lawyer or mediators. Instruction will be presented in the form of lecture, video tape, role-play and discussion. Each participant will receive a Parent's Handbook, which contains curriculum content, a list of helpful reading materials and resources for parents and children in need of additional support.

Is this program for everyone?

The Family Education Program may not be appropriate when domestic abuse is present. If you are involved with an abusive partner, you should call the Family Education Program Administrator at (585) 658-3690 for further information, before enrolling.

When are the classes held?

Class dates and times are outlined on the confidential enrollment form. After you have enrolled, a letter will be sent to you indicating which class you have been assigned, specific dates, the class location and directions. Classes are held in the Livingston County area.

What are the attendance requirements?

You must attend both classes to receive a Certificate of Compliance. If you were ordered by a judge, he/she will be notified that you received a Certificate of Compliance. Registration is 1/2 hour before class. Classes start promptly. Anyone more than fifteen minutes late will be denied admittance. If you fail to attend a class for which you have registered, you will need to submit a new registration. You will not be registered in another class until all new applicants have first been placed.

Children are not permitted to attend classes.

Is there a fee for the program?

A non-refundable fee as indicated on the enrollment form, payable by check or money order, must be submitted with your enrollment in order for you to be enrolled in a class. If you have health insurance coverage through Preferred Care or Excellus (BlueCross BlueShield, Blue Choice, etc.), a portion of the fee may be paid by your insurance provider. If your insurance coverage is Preferred Care Option or Blue Choice Option, the entire fee will be paid by your insurance provider. You will need to provide a copy of the insurance card showing the subscriber, identification number and expiration date with the enrollment form in order to obtain co-payment by your insurance provider. Your portion of the fee (see enrollment form) must be submitted with the enrollment form in order for you to be registered for a class. Please bring your insurance identification card to the class. Please note: There will be a $25 fee for returned checks.

Limited funds are available for full or partial scholarships based on financial need. Please indicate if you want to be considered for a scholarship by checking the appropriate box on the enrollment form and providing the requested information. You will be notified if you meet the guidelines for a scholarship. If an individual falls within the poverty guidelines they will not be required to pay. Please note: You do not have to send the fee with your enrollment form when seeking a scholarship.

Questions? Please contact the program administrator at (585) 658-3690.

Click here for the Confidential Enrollment Form

BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARE SEPARATED
  • The right not to be asked to "choose sides" between the parents.
  • The right not to be told the details of the legal proceeding going on between their parents.
  • The right not to be told "bad things" about the other parent's personality or character.
  • The right to privacy when talking to either parent on the telephone.
  • The right not to be "cross-examined" by one parent after spending time with the other parent.
  • The right not to be asked to be a messenger from one parent to the other.
  • The right not to be asked by one parent to tell the other parent untruths.
  • The right not to be used as a confidant regarding adult matters.
  • The right to express feelings, whatever those feelings may be.
  • The right to choose not to express certain feelings.
  • The right to be protected from parental "warfare."
  • The right not to be made to feel guilty for loving both parents.

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TRI Group Corporation
P.O. Box 193
Lakeville, NY 14480
Phone: 585-658-3690 or 1-877-608-0814
e-mail: contact@tri-group.org