Calhoun Consultants | Divorce & Parent Program Plan

Divorce & Parent Plan

PROGRAM PURPOSE

This counseling program has been developed with a goal of assisting divorced parents with processing issues of divorce as individuals and with their children. Such issues will include the concept of divorce, living in separate households, visitation, how to discuss divorce with your child, discussion of finances in front of your children, and maintaining and a positive parenting environment.

Currently, this program is mandated by the Family Court Judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois (Rule Series 900), which has been in effect since July 1, 2006. Parents will be assigned to this program in order to receive education in addressing problems and issues of the effects of divorce on their children.

Such services will be offered by a qualified mental health counselor with at least 2-4 years of experience in the field.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Parents will have the option of choosing two, 2-hour sessions that will be offered in the evening Monday through Thursday (5:30- 7:30 p.m.) and on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00- 11:00 a.m. The program schedule is as follows:

Monday: 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00- 11:00 a.m. 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00- 11:00 a.m.

Registration Process

Each applicant ordered to this program will be asked to complete a registration form that will be available at the court house and at the Calhoun Medical & Professional Complex.

Such forms can be faxed to my standard location at 815-434-6647. Participants can call to register at 815-228-9276. This standardized registration system will allow applicants to have convenient access to these services.

Program Guidelines

Divorcing couples shall attend separate sessions unless otherwise approved by the program director.
Any verbal or physically threatening behavior will result in automatic dismissal from the program (in this case, the court house will be immediately notified).
Attending any session while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in dismissal from the program.
If any participant is dismissed from the program for any reason, he/ she must appear before the judge prior to returning to the program.
Early dismissal from the program will result in forfeiture of all program fees.

Program Content

The Divorcing Parents Program Plan will be standardized to include the following topics with establishing a healthy transition for the children of program participants:

Changes & Choices
Expressions: Coping with Divorce
Healthy Custody & Visitation: Transitions back and forth to different households
Discussion of finances in front of your children
Supporting your child during & after the divorce process
Maintaining a neutral stance: Co-parenting
Skill Training for Single Parenting and Step-Parents
Developing Support Networks
Roles of Extended Family Members: The Importance of Utilizing Supportive Resources to Assist the Single Parent