Parent Education for Divorcing Families
Recently Oregon law (ORS 3.425) was changed to allow jurisdictions to establish an education program designed to inform parents about the impact of family restructuring on children. Parents may be referred or ordered to this if they are named as parties in any of the following legal proceedings: annulment or dissolution of marriage, legal separation, establishment of paternity, custody or parenting time, either at the time of divorce or post-decree modifications of cutody or parenting time. Our law (ORS 107.102) also requires that parents
![]() | Jurisdictions developed different models and service delivery systems to provide necessary parent education programs for divorcing families. Currently in the state, there are several different programs being used, with some as a single session lasting 3-4 hours, to others (in Washington County) that require multiple meetings and involve the children themselves. The costs vary depending upon the program chosen by the jurisdiction. OFI helped create one of the first parent education programs, called "Helping Children Cope With Divorce". The parent education course assists parents in developing effective parenting plans required. This program, with some variations, is currently in use in Multnomah, Clackamas, Tillamook, and Clatsop counties. OFI trained the providers who now teach this parent education program in Tillamook and Clatsop Counties. We remain open to training other trainers, programs and providers. |
PARENTING PLAN FORMS
OFI is encouraging trainers, parent education programs, and advising attorneys to use the new self-help parenting plan forms developed by the State Family Law Advisory Committee (SFLAC). These are available free of cost on the web, and meet the requirements of Oregon law. Using these forms can help parents organize their parenting decisions before, during or after a divorce or separation.Recently revised, there are two types of forms: a Basic Parenting Plan, and a Safety-Oriented Parenting Plan for families who have experienced or fear domestic violence, or who have power and control issues. Many attorneys are now routinely handing a copy of these forms to their clients.
THESE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH ON THE OJD WEBSITE.



