Divorce affects at least 1,230,000 U.S. children every year.  When parents fail to deal constructively with custody, child support and other difficult separation and divorce issues, the pain for children and parents endures long after the separation is final. Parents Forever puts parents on the path to minimizing trauma for their children.

Parents Forever provides an educational experience that will help reduce the negative impact of divorce or separation on the children involved.  The education classes help parents recognize that their joint roles as parents will continue long after the separation.  Parents will learn skills in restructuring their parent/child relationships and plan for their children's futures.

Parents Forever was developed in response to Minnesota legislation requiring educational programs for divorcing parents.

Parents Forever Services

Education for Adults

Parents Forever provides educational sessions for parents who are divorcing or couples who are separating.  Facilitators and speakers provide information to parents using lecture, videotape, group discussion, and role-play.  Topics of the course include: 

Stages of grief/loss
Typical reactions of children
Developmental needs of children
How parents can help children manage
Common mistakes to avoid
Domestic violence

How do I receive services?

  1. Print out and complete the registration form.

  2. Enclose a check or money order to Advocates for Family Peace:

    If you are court ordered to attend or if you are a volunteer the fee is $60.00.  

    If you are presently a client of Legal Aid or the Volunteer Attorney program the fee is $30.00.  

  3. Send the registration form and payment to:

Advocates for Family Peace
1611 NW Fourth Street
Grand Rapids , MN 55744  

Program Location and Schedule

Location of sessions:  Advocates for Family Peace, Grand Rapids

                                  Blandin Foundation, Conference Room

Days and Times:  There are two options for attending Parents Forever.

  1. Two consecutive sessions on Monday  and  Wednesday from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. 

  2. One full-day session on Saturdays  8:30 am - 5:00 pm. 

For 2010 please choose one of the following schedules:

   2010 Monday and Wednesday Sessions  Time:  5:00pm-9:00pm  Location: Blandin Foundation
 February 22nd & February 24th 
 March 15th & March 17th
April 19th & April 21st 
May 10th & May 12th
June 14th & June 16th
   
   
  
   2010 Saturday Sessions  Time: 8:30am-5:00pm Location: Advocates for Family Peace Office
 February 6th
 March 6th
 April 10th
 May 1st
 June 5th
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

Please plan to arrive five minutes early prior to each session for registration.  Participants who arrive late will not receive credit for the session.

Attendance verification will be mailed to Court Administration after completion of the program and fee payment is received.

Parents of the same children are not allowed to attend the same sessions.  Please fill in the name of your ex-spouse or partner on the registration form.