Focus on the Kids: Helping Your Child Cope with Parents at Odds
This program is mandated by the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of McHenry County.
Topics Covered | Contact Information | Registration Information | Registration Form PDF
Parenting as a divorced parent offers a variety of challenges under even the best of conditions. Focus on the Kids: Helping Your Child Cope with Parents at Odds offers families going through the process of divorce an opportunity to understand the impact divorce can have on children. Parents who are more aware of the impact of divorce on children are better able to make decisions that promote the well being of their child(ren). The program assists parents in developing solutions to common and unique dilemmas families face during this process of change. Parents will have the opportunity to learn effective ways of communicating with each other and learn to make decisions that are in the best interest of their child(ren).
Designed as a four-hour class, Focus on the Kids seeks to assist parents in understanding and responding to the needs of their child(ren) and to help their children cope with their feelings.
Focus on the Kids covers:
- Parents Forever
- Communicating with Your Children When Parents End Their Relationship
- Communicating with the other Parent
- Developing a Parenting Plan
- Stages of Loss and Grief
- How Loss Affects Child Development
- Parenting Time
- Helping Children Cope
- Emotional Games Parents and Children Play
- Dealing with Anger
The Judges of McHenry County are concerned for the welfare of children of divorce.They have made attendance at this program mandatory for all parties in dissolution or post-dissolution proceedings who have minor children.
Please contact us at (815) 479-7591 for information or to register for this valuable class.
Registration and Class Information
- WHO:
- The class is mandated for any parent in the process of divorce or who is involved in after-divorce proceedings in which there are minor children involved. Parents involved in parentage actions, and ordered by the court must also attend.
- WHAT:
- This four-hour class is designed to offer parents the opportunity to learn about, and discuss the effects of divorce on minor children. This class is intended to educate parents, not counsel them.
- WHEN:
- Participants attend two, two-hour classes. You may attend two consecutive Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., two consecutive Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. or a Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. combination when available.
- WHERE:
- Classes are held at McHenry County College's main campus, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Room location and class date will be included in the confirmation letter that will be mailed to the address you register with. Map and driving directions ⇒
- HOW MUCH:
- Registration fee is $60 per person (materials included) and is due in full at the time of registration. Pay the fee to McHenry County College; DO NOT pay the Court. We accept personal check (no starter checks), certified bank check, money order or Visa, MasterCard or Discover. You must make a cash payment in person in A258 at the main McHenry County College campus, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.
You should know that:
- When you complete the class, we will communicate your attendance to the Court if you have registered with a case number. If you register without a case number, it is your responsibility to file your certificate of completion with the court.
- Each reschedule will result in a $10 reschedule fee. To reschedule call (815) 479-7591.
- You will be charged a $15 fee for replacement certificates.
- Participants must be on time for each session. Latecomers will not be admitted to class.
- It is court mandated that parents can not attend the same class.
- Children are not allowed in the class. Please make childcare arrangements.
Facilitators:
All program facilitators are mental health professionals with a master's degree in the field of mental health or attorneys who specialize in divorce cases. All facilitators have extensive experience in dealing with divorce and its effects on children.