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Frequently Asked Questions by Parents
What is Parents Forever?
Parents Forever is a curriculum and related series of classes designed for parents who have children ages birth through 18 and are going through a family transition like divorce or separation. It is also intended for unmarried parents who are having paternity, parenting time, and/or child support issues. See more at What is Parents Forever?
Who should take a Parents Forever class?
Current Minnesota law requires parents with contested issues to take Parents Forever or another parent education program that has been approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court. We have found that all parents going through family transitions such as divorce can benefit from Parents Forever.
Do you need to be court ordered to take Parents Forever?
No; in fact, we encourage parents to take the classes before they go to court or as early in the divorce process as possible.
What will I learn in Parents Forever?
Parents Forever will help you learn skills to minimize the negative effects of divorce on your children. Parents Forever consists of a minimum of 8 hours of class. See more at What Will You Learn?
Why am I required to take this class?
It is part of the divorce process in most Minnesota counties. Court officials were concerned about the number of issues related to divorce and custody that were affecting children. In 1998, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law that required judges to court order parents with contested custody and parenting time issues to a court-approved parent education class like Parents Forever. See more about the Minnesota Statute 518.157.
I am a good parent so why do I need to take this class?
The court order is not a reflection on the quality of your parenting. When you go through a family change such as divorce, it can be very difficult for your children and you. Even the best parents need ideas for parenting during these challenging times. Parents Forever will give you information that will help you make this transition less difficult. See more about the topics covered in Parents Forever at What Will You Learn?
Why do I need at least 8 hours of class?
Both our online and in-person Parents Forever classes meet for a minimum of 8 hours, the amount required by Minnesota Statute 518.157. We know that this is a big investment of time for you. By taking a comprehensive approach you will have the opportunity to learn the best tools to help your children through this difficulty time. See What Will You Learn? in Parents Forever.
Do I take the class with the other parent of my child(ren)?
If you have both been court-ordered, you will both need to take a class similar to Parents Forever. If you take the in-person classes, many communities take steps to have parents attend different class sessions. You will both still receive the same information. We have found that everyone is better able to listen and ask their questions when the other parent is not in the same room. In the online version, you will each complete the course independently.
What if I don’t attend class?
If you are both court-ordered, it is up to the judge to enforce the court order.
I don’t have time to do this. Can I get excused from this requirement?
It is up to the judge to enforce the court order but it is rare for them to offer exceptions because of time restraints. The online version of the course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The in-person classes are offered evenings and weekends; Contact a Local Parents Forever Program for more information about in-person classes.
How do I decide if the online or in-person version of the class is better for me?
Both versions of the class are well designed and contain the same content information. Both meet all 25 minimum standards required for Minnesota court-ordered education. It really comes down to availability and learning style. When deciding what would work best for you, see the quick comparison at Which Class is for Me: Online or In-Person?
I don't live in Minnesota. Will Parents Forever meet the requirements of my state?
In general, Minnesota has some of the most stringent standards in terms of key topics to be taught and hours of education to be required. Because Parents Forever has been tailored to meet these high standards, it often meets the divorce education requirements of other states. Parents Forever is currently being taught in several states besides Minnesota. To ensure that Parents Forever meets your state’s requirements, check with your state’s Supreme Court. If they are not familiar with Parents Forever, share the minimum standards that are covered in our program and mention that our program is designed to be taught in a minimum of 8 hours of education. Unless you can find an in-person Parents Forever course offered in your state, the online version of the course would probably work best.
Who teaches the class and what are their qualifications?
The online course was created and led by the University of Minnesota Extension authors of the Parents Forever curriculum. In-person class trainers come from a variety of backgrounds. In some counties, you will have a different trainer depending on the topic. In other places, there will be a male and female trainer team that teaches the entire series. All trainers have a professional degree in areas such as parent education, social work, counseling, law, or mediation. In addition, they have received training on the Parents Forever curriculum from the University of Minnesota Extension. All instructors have also been interviewed and approved by the local program offering the class.
Do I have to complete the classes before the court hearing?
This is up to the judge. Read your court order carefully to see what is required. We have found from experience, it is best to take the classes as early in the divorce process as possible. The information presented in the classes will help you get an earlier start on reducing conflict and ensuring that your children’s needs are met through the transition.
My court order says I need to sign up in 10 days and complete it by 90 days. What do you suggest I do?
If you have a narrow window for signing up and/or completing the course, the online version of the class may be more practical for you. It may still be worth looking at your local program's class availability — availability varies greatly between counties.
What if I miss a class? How can I make it up?
Contact your Parents Forever program coordinator to make arrangements to take the class you missed. In some programs, they may charge a fee to reschedule the class. Find their contact information at Contact a local Parents Forever Program. At this time, it is not possible to make up an in-person class through our online course system.
I have an IFP. I don't have to pay then, right?
Those with an IFP (in forma pauperis) are eligible for free classes to meet their court-ordered requirement. At this time, only the in-person version of the class is able to process IFPs. Contact a Local Parents Forever Progam for more information.
What if I don't have the money to pay the fee?
If you have an IFP (in forma pauperis), you are not required to pay for the court-ordered class. Currently, only the in-person version of the class is set up to process IFPs. Local Parents Forever programs also offer a sliding fee scale. Contact a Local Parents Forever Program for more information.
Do I need anything for class?
The online version has certain computer requirements. For the in-person version, you may want to bring paper and pen to take notes. All other class materials are supplied.
You may also be interested in What Will You Learn?.
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