Domestic Relations Court

PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM

ABOUT THE COURSE: The “Helping Children Succeed After Divorce” program is a 4-hour Parent Education course which is presented by Forensic and Mental Health Services, Inc. and sponsored by the Butler County Domestic Relations Court. The program is divided into two, 2-hour classes. Completion of the entire course is mandatory for all parents who seek divorce or dissolution in Butler County. Spouses are not permitted to attend the same class.

The course is designed to help participants understand the impact of the divorce experience. Part 1 looks at the divorce experience from the adult/parent point of view. This includes the decision to divorce, the stages of the divorce process, the emotions of divorce, and the psychological tasks of divorce for adults. Part 2 focuses on talking to children about divorce, how children of different age groups typically respond to the losses, and when and where to go to get help for your children. Other topics covered include dealing with changing roles, overcoming roadblocks to cooperative parenting, and effective communication skills. Lecture, group discussion, video, and over-head transparencies will all be used during the course.

PROGRAM ENROLLMENT: The DR628 form is the notice requiring parties with children to attend Parent Education Class upon filing a complaint for divorce or dissolution with the Clerk of Courts. Both parties are to attend the course and register for the course within 15 days of the receipt of the notice.

To schedule a Parent Education class contact Forensic and Mental Health Services, Inc. (513) 867-5866, ext. 100 at the Forensic and Mental Health Services, Inc. PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE THEIR DR CASE NUMBER TO SCHEDULE THE CLASS. Participants will be provided with the date, time and location of the class or classes they will be attending. They will receive by mail a confirmation with directions to the scheduled class. Their name, case number and scheduled dates/times will be forwarded to Butler County Domestic Relations Court. Participants will be required to sign in at both sessions to verify attendance. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Additionally, a copy of the certificate will be forwarded to the Court for verification purposes.

TIMES AND LOCATIONS OF CLASSES: The course is a four (4) hour class divided into two, 2 -hour sessions. You must attend both parts, and you must attend Part 1 before you attend Part 2. Sessions are held as follows:

PART 1 AND PART 2 – SATURDAY’S FROM 9:00 AM TO 1:15 PM OR TWO EVENING CLASSES TUESDAYS 6:00 – 8:00PM AND THURSDAYS 6:00 – 8:00PM

Participants may attend either time for parts 1 and 2, as long as Part 1 is completed first. BOTH PARTS are to be completed within a two-week period. All classes are held at the Forensic and Mental Health Services, Inc., office building, 3105 Dixie Highway, Hamilton, Ohio, except for the second Saturday of each month when the class is held at Miami University Campus, 4200 N. University Blvd., Middletown, Ohio. For participant’s convenience, a detailed map with directions can be viewed on the Domestic Relations Court website at www.butlercountyohio.org/drcourt.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: If the weather should become hazardous, due to snow, ice, etc., please tune to CHANNEL 12 WKRC TV television stations to learn if class has been canceled or postponed. If Butler County has been put under a Level 3 Snow Emergency, the class will be rescheduled. Please contact the Forensic and Mental Health Services, Inc. (513) 867-5866 ext. 100 for additional information.

DR 628 - Notice to Attend Mandatory Parent Education Class