Description:
This is an education program that provides divorcing or separating parents with information and strategies to help their children and themselves through the often difficult family changes caused by a divorce or separation. The program is sponsored by the Seventh Judicial District.

Target Groups:
Separating and divorcing parents.

Availability:
Classes, consisting of 2 sessions taught one week apart, are offered in downtown Rochester, New York. class schedule

Mission Statement:
A.C.T. ~ For the Children is dedicated to reducing the negative impact of a parental breakup on children. The program provides parents with information and skills for protecting their children by reducing conflict, strengthening parent-child relationships, and fostering children’s healthy development.

Parents learn how to:

• Reduce the negative impact of divorce or separation on children
• Minimize conflict and foster children’s heathy adjustment
• Maintain a structured, stable, home environment
• Take care of themselves physically and emotionally so that they can take good care of their children

Participants state that A.C.T.~ For the Children has helped them by:

• Increasing their ability to protect their children from parental conflict
• Teaching them ways to interact with the other parent that are appropriate for the level of conflict between them
• Reducing the need for court involvement
• Motivating and assisting them to seek the help they need and providing resource materials
• Showing them how to build stronger relationships with their children
• Giving them hope for a brighter future

What to Expect:

• Classes are taught in two, three and one-half hour, sessions offered one week apart .
• Two mental health professionals serve as instructors for both sessions. A variety of presentation techniques are used including lecture, small group discussion, role play, and video clips.
• There is a one hour presentation by a judge and an attorney explaining aspects of the legal process. Topics include considerations in choosing whether to resolve differences in court or by mediation , collaboration or other alternatives to litigation, child support, and custody.
• Each parent is given a Parent’s Handbook and a Guide to Resources in the Greater Rochester Area. Pamphlets of organizations throughout the community that may further help parents are also available at the classes.
• There will be coffee and light refreshments both days.