Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process. An experienced mental health professional assists high conflict parents implement their parenting plan. The parenting coordinator works to resolve parental disputes in a timely manner while educating parents about children’s developmental needs. The parenting coordinator, with prior approval of the parties and/or the court, can make decisions within the scope of the court order or appointment contract.
The overall objective of parenting coordination is to assist high conflict parents in implement their parenting plan, to monitor compliance with the details of the plan, to resolve conflicts regarding their children and the parenting plan in a timely manner, and to protect and sustain safe, healthy and meaningful parent-child relationships. Parenting coordination is a quasi-legal, mental health, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process that combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management and sometimes decision-making functions.
A divorce/co-parenting coach:
- Is dedicated to working with couples through their separation and/or divorce process
- Confidently directs the individuals through the emotional terrain of ending their spousal/intimate partner relationship, while guiding them into a co-parenting relationship
- Works to strengthen the parenting functions of the couple so they can become effective co-parents across two homes
- May assist the parents in developing their parenting plan, which provides structure and boundaries for the new co-parenting relationship
<strong>More on Parenting Coordination:</strong>
From the AFCC Guidelines – If written in the court order or agreed to by both parties in the consent agreement, a Parenting Coordinator may have authority to resolve the following type of issues:
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- Minor changes or clarification of parenting time/access schedules or conditions including vacation, holidays, and temporary variation from the existing parenting plan
- Transitions/exchanges of the children including date, time, place, means of transportation and transporter
- Health care management including medical, dental, orthodontic, and vision care
- Child-rearing issues
- Psychotherapy or other mental health care including substance abuse assessment or counseling for the children
- Psychological testing or other assessment of the children and parents
- Education or daycare including school choice, tutoring, summer school, participation in special education testing and programs or other major educational decisions
- Enrichment and extracurricular activities including camps and jobs
- Religious observances and education
- Children’s travel and passport arrangements
- Clothing, equipment, and personal possessions of the children
- Communication between the parents about the children including telephone, fax, e-mail, notes in backpacks, etc.
- Communication by a parent with the children including telephone, cell phone, pager, fax, and e-mail when they are not in that parent’s care
- Alteration of appearance of the children including haircuts, tattoos, ear and body piercing
- Role of and contact with significant others and extended families
- Substance abuse assessment or testing for either or both parents or a child, including access to results, and
- Parenting classes for either or both parents
Parenting coordination services are provided by attorney referral. For more information please call
262-689-6140 or
Contact Dr. Stone Here.
