Linda Scher
Family Mediator and Facilitator


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Special Issues for Parents

There are special issues for parents who are separating and their children. Because of some of these concerns, the State of Oregon requires parents to file a general or a detailed Parenting Plan when they are filing for divorce or for a custody order, and to attend a Parent Education class. Mediation is especially suited to address the issues and concerns around children and future parenting that arise when parents separate or divorce or have not lived together at all.

If you are interested in books, and other resources for parents and children, go to the Resource List. Dr. Herman Frankel has written a sample Parent Pledge that you might find helpful in setting rules for yourselves during this difficult time. You can view more of his materials at Divorcework.com.

PARENTING PLANS

A parenting plan addresses the schedule for a child and how the parents will make decisions about the child in the future. Mediation can help you to form a detailed parenting plan that is customized to the needs of the child and the parents.

The Oregon Judicial Department has also created three excellent publications that can help you to create your parenting plan, the Basic Parenting Plan Guide, Basic Parenting Plan Packet, and Safety Focused Parenting Plan. All can be found at the Family Law Page of the Oregon Judicial Department website.

PARENT EDUCATION

For information on the Parent Education classes in Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas counties, see below. For information on classes in other counties in Oregon, go to the Oregon Judicial Department website Oregon Judicial Department website

Parent and Child Divorce Education Programs by County

Clackamas
Timing in Dissolution Proceeding Register within 15 days of filing or notice; complete prior to entry of judgment
SLR 8.015
Fee $45.00
Date Started 1995
Program Provider/ Clackamas Co Fam Ct Services
Program Name and Location Parents Helping Children Cope With Divorce
Family Court Services
704 Main St.
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 655-8415
Register on-line at http://www.co.clackamas.or.us/fcs/parents.htm
# Participants/ Month 120
3.5 hours
Program Characteristics Offered 4/5 times a month
Curriculum Developed own curriculum.
Children's Program Video: Listen to the Children
Private options only
Multnomah
Timing in Dissolution Proceeding Register within 15 days of notice; complete before entry of decree.
SLR 8.125
Fee $45.00 ($60 if more than 45 days after filing/service.)
Date Started 2/97
Program Provider/
Contact Coordinator: Chris Christensen
Program Name and Location Multnomah County Family Court Services
1021 SW 4th Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 988-3037
LOCATION: Multnomah Co. Courthouse (on Sat and Tues) and Juvenile Court (on Thurs)
# Participants/ Month 175+
Program Characteristics 3 hour class
Offered 8+ times a month
Videotape Role Plays
Handbook
Private options only
Curriculum Developed own curriculum starting with materials from Clackamas Co.
Children's Program:
Parents Helping Children Cope with Divorce
Washington
Timing in Dissolution Proceeding Register within 14 days of filing or receiving service; attend 2 classes prior to mediation, complete before final decree
SLR 8.102, SLR 12.013 (1)
Fee $134 per parent
Date Started 2/99
Program Provider/ Agency Director: Judy Harris, "Youth Contact"
Coordinator/Facilitator:
Jennifer Samuels		447 SE Baseline Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 846-0665
Program Name and Location Kids' Turn
Location:
At public school facilities in three different school Countys within the county
# Participants/ Month 130
Program Characteristics Four 1-1/2 hour sessions
Once a week for 4 weeks
No classes can be missed.
Curriculum Kids' Turn Curriculum.
Parents attend separate workshops from children.
Children's Program Includes Kids' Turn Video.
Local Judges speak to children and to parents at one of their sessions.
The program utilizes the Kids' Turn curriculum which is a program taken by parents and children together although they attend separate sessions.


All text, graphics & information on this site © 2004 Linda Scher