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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 04-470

THE COURTS

JUNIATA AND PERRY COUNTIES

Education Program for Separated Parents; No. 73 of 2004; No. 2004-2

[34 Pa.B. 1570]

Order

   And Now, March 1, 2004, it is hereby ordered that beginning with case filings dated May 1, 2004, all parties in a divorce or custody/visitation action, or such other cases as the Court shall direct, where the interest of children under the age of 18 years are involved, shall be required to attend a seminar entitled ''Education Program for Separated Parents.'' The four-hour educational seminar is intended to provide guidance to the parents in helping their children adjust to the consequences of divorce, separation and changing custody arrangements. A detailed description of the program goals are entitled Exhibit ''A'' and incorporated in this Order.

   The moving party shall serve the responding party with a copy of the Court Order directing their attendance at the Seminar within sixty days of the date the action is filed along with a program brochure/registration form.

   Within sixty (60) days after service, both parties are required to register and attend the program by mailing the pre-printed ''Education Program for Separated Parents'' registration form, along with a registration fee of $45.00 to Education Program for Separated Parents, Penn State Justice and Safety Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 305 Lubert Building, Innovation Park at Penn State, University Park, PA 16802-7009.

   Failure to register and complete the Program will be brought to the attention of the Court and may result in a finding of contempt and the imposition of sanctions.

By the Court

C. JOSEPH REHKAMP,   
President Judge

Education Program for Separated Parents

Program Goals

   ''Education Program for Separated Parents'' will provide parents with information, support and direction that will facilitate a healthy adjustment for their children. Bitterness often ensnares children caught between separating parents. In an effort to reduce the emotional toll on children and limit acrimony, attendance at this four-hour educational seminar is required by the Court of all parties in all divorce, custody, visitation and in such other cases as the Court shall direct, where the interests of children under the age of 18 years are involved and the Court deems the parties will benefit from such a program. This program will also be open to any other person who is involved in caring or educating children and wishes to attend on their own. Administration of this program will be through the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute in conjunction with the Court Administrator's Office.

Program Content

   The four-hour program provides parents with information about the developmental stages and needs of children with emphasis on fostering the child's emotional health during periods of stress. The program is informative, supportive and will inform parents of various community resources. Topics will also include typical reactions of families, stress indicators in children, pitfalls to avoid, skills to help children work through stress, and how to work out a parenting agreement.

''Exhibit A''

When

   The program will be presented every few weeks as indicated on the brochures alternating between Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Where

   The program is presented in Perry County at the Courthouse in Courtroom 1, New Bloomfield, PA or in Juniata County at the Library on 498 Jefferson Street, Mifflintown, PA.

Attendance

   Attendance at the program is required of all parties involved in a divorce, custody, or visitation action and in such other cases as the Court shall direct, where the interests of children under the age of 18 years are involved and the Court deems the parties will benefit from such a program.

   A waiver of attendance will be provided for individuals who have attended a program of equal value. A certificate of attendance at a similar program must be presented to Court Administration.

Fees

   A fee of $45.00 per party is required and should be sent in with the registration form payable to ''Education Program for Separated Parents,'' and mailed to Penn State Justice and Safety Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 305 Lubert Building, Innovation Park at Penn State, University Park, PA 16802-7009. The cost will cover the presenter's fees, handouts, and program administration. Penn State will determine whether any fee will be reduced or waived.

Presenters

   The presenters are provided by Penn State and have at a minimum master's degree with additional training.

Application Process

   Upon initiation of a filing, the moving party shall serve the responding party with a copy of the Court Order directing attendance at the seminar and provide a program brochure/registration form about the program. The brochure will describe the registration and payment methods and include a registration form to be completed and mailed. These documents will be served along with the pleading. Registration will be by mail as indicated on the form and must be made no later than one week before the selected program date. The registration process is designed to maximize safety to the participants. For safety purposes, participants are asked to indicate if they prefer not to attend the same seminar as the other parent. Parties are encouraged to attend a class in the County in which the action is pending, however other classes are held in Juniata and Mifflin Counties for your convenience.

Verification

   A list of all parties participating in the program will be provided to the Court prior to each session. Upon completion of the seminar, each parent will receive the original certificate verifying that they have attended the course. A copy of the certificate will be sent by Penn State to Court Administration to be placed in the official Court file.

Monitoring and Evaluation

   Each participant will complete a written evaluation of the seminar at its conclusion, indicating their individual assessment of the value of the program and any suggestions for future programs.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-470. Filed for public inspection March 19, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]


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