Results of a Survey of Court‐connected Parent Education Programs in U.S. Counties

Abstract

This article highlights the results of a survey of 3,073 U.S. counties regarding court‐connected programs for divorcing parents. Court‐connected programs were identified in 541 counties. Information is provided on states' efforts at parent education for divorcing parents, including proliferation of programs, commonly used programs, court involvement in organization of programs, fees, and various attendance policies, including mandated attendance. The research establishes a base of information that reflects current practices, informs future research on program outcomes, and assists court systems to implement, change, and/or mandate education programs for divorcing parents.

How Effective Are Court‐affiliated Divorcing Parents Education Programs? A Meta‐analytic Study

“…As awareness of the potential negative consequences of divorce has increased in the United States (Amato, 2000, 2005), courts have shown greater interest in court‐connected educational programs to help divorcing families (Blaisure & Geasler, 1996; Schepard, 1998). Since the early 1990's, the number of divorcing parents education programs (DPEs) has increased dramatically; between 1994 and 1998, the number of DPEs offered in the United States increased from 541 to 1,516 (Geasler & Blaisure, 1995).…”

Long‐term Follow‐up of a Court‐based Intervention for Divorcing Parents

“…In many communities, these programs are now legally mandated for parents who file for divorce or seek to relitigate prior divorce agreements (Blaisure & Geasler, 1996). The Children First program represents one exception.…”

Therapeutic Implications of Behavior Change Theory in Post-Divorce Counseling and Education Programs

“…The number of court-connected programs then tripled between 1994 and 1997 (Geasler and Blaisure 1999). Programs range from educational content: well-being of the children, cooperative parenting, "nuts and bolts" legal issues of divorce, and financial issues; to counseling programs and bibliotherapy (Braver et al, 1996;Blaisure and Geasler, 1996). Whatever the program, when parents are influenced by certain interventions, the children will also be affected.…”

“…Such theories are also applicable in strategies of divorce counseling and educational services as a self-evaluation tool. The literature suggests that behavior change theory has not been implemented into such programs (Braver et al, 1996;Blaisure and Geasler, 1996). Taylor (2003) demonstrated how to implement behavior change theory within the divorce mediation session.…”