DIVORCING PARENTS PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS (PEP)

WHAT ARE COURT-ORDERED PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS?
Parenting education programs are classes designed to educate adults about the many issues children face when their family situation changes. The program trains participants about how to help children adjust in a healthy way to divorce or living apart from a parent.

If you have children under age 18, you must participate in a parenting education program within 60 days after a family case if filed in court.  All parties involved in divorce, dissolution of a civil union, annulment, separation, custody or visitation cases are required by law to participate in a parenting education program.

ON-LINE PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS are not approved and do not comply with Connecticut law. To access the list of approved Parent Education Providers go to: http://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/FM151.pdf

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
There is a set fee to participate in this program. Participants must pay the provider directly. The fee is not paid to the court.

HOW TO REGISTER

• Complete Section III of the Parenting Education Program-Order, Certificate and Results Form (JD-FM-149).  The forms are available at all Judicial District Clerk's Offices, Court Service Centers, and on the Judicial Branch website.  Your lawyer or the program may also have the form.
  
• Contact the program provider to get information about registration, fee arrangements, class dates, times, and locations.  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.
  

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Co-Parenting Workshops

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SOURCE: Judicial Branch State of Connecticut
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2013