The New York Parent Education and Awareness Program

How the court system is succeeding in protecting children whose parents are going through divorce, separation, or other child-centered litigation.

You do not have to know someone who is undergoing a separation, divorce or other child-centered litigation, you do not have to experience it yourself, nor do you have to view the recent film entitled "Squid and the Whale" to recognize that putting children in the middle of the adult conflict can be detrimental to their health and well-being.

 New York State's Chief Judge, Judith S. Kaye, announced in her  2001 State of the Judiciary Address an initiative to institutionalize  parent education for separating and divorcing parents.  A 19-member  advisory board was created to oversee this process.  The Advisory Board  is comprised of individuals from across New York State and includes representatives in the fields of pediatrics, child psychiatry and  psychology, social work, and family life science, as well as matrimonial attorney and law guardian, and Family Court, Supreme Court and Appellate Division judges.

What is the New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program?  It is a program designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their breakup on their children.  The primary goal is to teach parents ways they can reduce the stress of family changes and protect their children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict in order to foster and promote their children's healthy adjustment and development. 

How do I learn more about the Parent Education and Awareness Program?  Following the guidelines developed by the Advisory Board, the Office of Court Administration certifies and monitors local providers of such services who wish to accept court-referred participants.  The New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program has a website at www.nycourts.gov/ip/parent-ed.  It contains all of the guidelines and procedures for certification, and all of the forms that the providers of the program must use.  There are currently 48 certified parent education providers in 38 counties offering classes in 58 locations.

This is just a brief overview of the current status of The New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program.  Experience and research have shown that parent education does make a positive difference for children and their parents who are experiencing divorce or separation and it can help bring about a reduced need for court intervention.  Currently, parent education is available in 38 counties. We are working to make parent education available in the remaining 24 counties in New York State.  If your county or area does not have a parent education program and you have some suggestions as to potential providers, you can contact the Program by e-mail at nyparent-ed@courts.state.ny.us or at the toll-free number at 888-809-2798.