General Info

Families that are experiencing separation or divorce sometimes need assistance in helping their family make these transitions. HCI provides parent education classes through ParentWorks, a monthly 4-hour skill building workshop designed for families in transition. Because of small class sizes and an interactive format, presenters learn enough about each person’s situation to adjust presentations to individual needs and interests. Presenters draw from their own breath of experience in law, education, and social work to substantiate material in the course manual.

A registration session, either in person, by telephone, or electronically is required of each attendee. The purpose of this session is to:

• Obtain basic identifying information from each party
• Screen for issues of family violence to determine if attendance is appropriate at that time
• Ascertain if there is a current or prior protection from abuse order
• Determine ability to pay tuition costs
• Answer basic questions about what to expect from the parenting class
• Provide information about location, parking, schedules, and building access

Parking for Rockland classes: Free municipal all-day parking is located on Tillson Avenue. At the light of Main Street and Tillson Avenue, take a right, proceed about half a block and the parking lot is on your right.

Specific Services

Since 1988, ParentWorks has offered monthly 4 hour parent education classes and skill building workshops for families in transition experiencing separation or divorce. Classes generally meet on a Saturday morning from 8:30a.m to 12:30 p.m., encouraging participation from individuals attending. Class size is limited to 12 attendees. Certificates of completion are provided to all attendees, and when necessary, serve as proof of attendance in court proceedings.

These workshops are designed to:

• • Enhance the co-parenting skills of each parent
  • Teach parents about the impact of separation and divorce on their children and each other
  • Educate about the importance of co-parent collaboration and successful parenting partnerships
  • Facilitate non-custodial parents’ access to and visitation with their children as necessary

At the end of each class, attendees are encouraged to complete a program evaluation. Suggestions are used to improve both the course curriculum and the manner and style of presentations.

Testimonials from attendees:

“I’ve enjoyed hearing other people’s stories, and it verified that I am not the only one going through this process.”

“I’ve learned how to keep our children out of the middle.”

“I would recommend this program to people that are still together to improve their communication skills and learn ways to better parent their children.”

“I learned how to stay focused on the needs of my children as they, too, go through this change.”

“Excellent! Thank you, Thank you!”