| CONTACT: |
Mark
R. Quigley
Administrative Attorney
617-788-6600 |
|
FOR
RELEASE ON: October 20, 2008 |
PROBATE AND FAMILY
COURT ANNOUNCES PILOT PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM
FOR NEVER MARRIED PARENTS
The
Probate and Family Court Department announces the implementation
of Standing Order 6-08 relative to a pilot parent education
program for never married parents. The Probate and Family
Court Administrative Office has in cooperation with the
Department of Revenue obtained funding to implement the
program for never married parents in the Essex, Hampshire
and Suffolk Divisions. The new Standing Order mandates
that parties to a Complaint to Establish Paternity, a Complaint
for Custody/Support/Visitation, and in any case involving
visitation, custody or support of minor children of never
married parents filed on or after July 1, 2008 attend and
participate in a five (5) hour education program known
as “For the Children.”
“For the Children” is
a supportive parent education program that focuses on the
needs of children of never married parents. Topics will
include the vital role of parents in children’s lives,
cooperative parenting, pitfalls for parents to avoid, understanding
children’s needs and supporting children when parents
live apart. The new Standing Order is effective November
1, 2008.
In addition, since 1994, the
Probate and Family Court has required that parties to a
divorce action where there are minor children register
with and attend an approved parent education program. Attendance
is mandatory unless waived by the Court. Currently, there
are 31 approved providers who offer the program at 63 locations
around the state. The program is also offered in Spanish
at 3 locations.
PDF
of this Press Release 
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