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.

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. To find these forms, visit our Links page, or click here.

OFI is planning new research and development in the area of parenting education for divorcing families. Go to our website section, New Projects, for more information.

Special Programs for High-Conflict Families

For some families that have high levels of conflict during divorce, or who continue to fight after the divorce, the usual parent education programs are not enough to prevent problems. Research has shown conclusively that continued parental conflict, not the divorce or separation itself, is the largest cause of problems with children's later adjustment, and continued high levels of conflict can harm children, court services have been trying to provide adequate screening of families and specialized programs for those who need it.

Based on a model originally started in the California family courts, OFI has developed and sponsored the use of a course called Parents Beyond Conflict. This program is designed to help parents learn new and more effective ways to communicate, solve problems, and to minimize the negative impact on children. Participants practice skills to try, and learn about another method of reducing conflict -- parallel parenting. Participation in the class is voluntary, and parents must pay a separate fee.

Clackamas County has promoted the use of this class for some parents in their jurisdiction, and Judith Swinney, J.D., an attorney and mediator, and Mark Harwood, M.S., CDAC, a counselor, have co-taught the six, two-hour sessions. Response from courts and participants has been good, and courts have been sending parents from Marion, Columbia, Yamhill and Washington, as well as Multnomah County.



This six-week skill-building class helps strengthen parents’ communication and negotiation skills relating to parenting after divorce or separation, regardless of how much or little conflict exists. In a small supportive group setting, the focus is on personal responsibility, limit-setting, and keeping children safe and out of the middle of conflict.

• This class is open to the community - attendees can come from any county.

• The class is held in the Clackamas County Courthouse from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

Other models of helping families who are experiencing high conflict and distress are being developed, and the OFI Executive Director would be happy to discuss these. Please see our website's sections on New Projects, and Consultation.