PARENT INFORMATION PROGRAM

Parents Helping Children
Through Separation and Divorce

All applications concerning custody and access made through the Supreme Courts or Family Courts in Kentville and Windsor will be referred to the Parent Information Program.

The Court has the expectation that all applicants and respondents will attend this program.

The goals of the program are:

• to increase parents' awareness of the impact of parental conflict on children.
  
  
• to improve communication between parents about their child's needs.
  
  
• to show new ways to avoid placing children in the middle of disagreements between parents.
  
  

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

All parents who are involved with applications for custody and/or access in the Supreme Courts or Family Courts in Kentville and Windsor.

WHERE WILL THE PROGRAM BE HELD?

WHEN WILL THE PROGRAM BE HELD?

The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 P.M. until 9:15 P.M. and Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon.

The program will consist of one group session lasting three hours.

Parents will attend sessions on either the Tuesday or Saturday program.

Applicants will be given a time to participate in the program when they meet with the Court Officer at the Family Court or the Supreme Court.

Respondents will usually be provided with the dates of their sessions when they receive their notice from the Court.

Applicants and respondents will not be in the same session. Therefore, parents can be assured that they will not have to participate in the program at the same time as the other parent.

WHAT IS THE CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM?

• Information about the legal and Court process.
  
  
• Videotape showing conflict situations and techniques for learning.
  
  
• Discussion of children's reactions to separation and divorce at various developmental stages.
  
  
• Techniques for preventing children from being caught in the middle.
  
  

The discussion leaders will include mental health professionals, lawyers and judges.

It is not group counselling nor does it provide legal advice.

QUESTIONS

• Does the Judge expect me to attend this program? YES
  
  
• Will the other parent be in the same group? NO
  
  
• Do I bring the children? NO
  
  
• What if I need to cancel? You must call 902 679-6075 to reschedule.

Copyright © Kentville Justice Centre

Last Modified: Thursday, Dec 6, 2007, at 03:18 PM