Divorce: Children in the Middle Parenting Classes

Terry L. Foster, Crnkovic, Jeannie

The Children in the Middle program has been recognized by judges as highly effective and was developed by experts in the fields of child clinical and developmental-social psychology. The program has received the Positive Parenting Award from the National Council for Children’s Rights and the Active Parenting Award from the Children’s Rights Council.

To help parents and children cope with the stress of divorce and custody hearings, judges in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial District of Louisiana have agreed under Rule 38 to implement Children in the Middle. According to Rule 38, all parties in a custody matter filed after May 1, 1999, in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial District shall successfully complete Children in the Middle within 60 days after the divorce petition is filed and served. The program teaches parenting skills to prevent placing the child in the middle of conflicts.

The program is taught by Extension Educators/Home Economists with the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

The program is taught through the aid of video. Real-life situations are depicted, showing how devastating controversy between parents can be for children.

According to the Center for Divorce Education, children of divorcing parents may exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Loss of concentration.
  • Short attention span.
  • Poor grades.
  • Problems in school.
  • Emotional outbursts.

Children in the Middle can help parents increase knowledge and develop skills to help their children make healthy adjustments as they experience the transition of divorce.

Register today. Ask the Clerk of Court’s office for a registration form, complete the form and return form as indicated below.

Separate classes for the children’s version are offered at the same times and places as the adult classes. Parents need to enroll their children for classes, also.

Registration forms for Bossier Parish can be mailed to the LSU AgCenter, P O Box 370, Benton, LA 71006 or dropped off at the LSU AgCenter's office on the Fourth Floor of the Bossier Parish Courthouse.

Classes are offered from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The classes will be held on the Fourth Floor of the LSU AgCenter's Office of the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton. 

There is a $20.00 fee per adult.


 

Attendance Guidelines:

Attend classes at the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton, La.

For maximum benefit, attend same sessions as your divorcing spouse.

Dates Offered:

January 25, 2011

February 22, 2011

March 15, 2011

April 19, 2011

May 17, 2011

June 7, 2011

July 12, 2011

August 30, 2011

September 27, 2011

October 18, 2011

November 29, 2011


December - NO CLASS

Children’s sessions are for 8- to 17-year olds.

No child care is provided for children younger than 8 years old.

The Twenty-Sixth Judicial District Court Judges
Bruce M. Bolin
Jeff Cox
Mike Craig
John M. Robinson
Parker Self
Ford E. Stinson, Jr.


For a program brochure, please click the link below.

 

5/4/2006 8:39:43 PM
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