Courts order divorcing parents to parenting classes.

Research has shown the traumatic, longterm emotional effects many children experience when their parents divorce. In response, courts throughout the nation are requiring divorcing parents to attend classes designed to sensitize them to the effects of divorce on their children and to assist them in helping their children cope with those effects.

Responding to the same concerns, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers has initiated a national program to increase public awareness about the effects of divorce. As part of that program, the group released a booklet in July, urging divorced and divorcing parents to keep their children out of parental conflicts and to encourage their relationship with the other parent.

The booklet also sets forth a "Children's Bill of Rights," affirming that children do not have to choose one parent over the other, do not belong in the middle of their parents' breakup, and have the right to love and be loved by both parents.

The court-ordered parenting classes echo many of these themes. The programs frequently involve seminars lasting from two-and-a-half to four hours in which parents are provided with information about the legal, financial, emotional, and psychological aspects of divorce.

The seminars may also focus on how children respond to divorce at different developmental stages and the attendant implications for child custody and visitation arrangements. In addition, the classes stress the need for the splitting couple to develop effective co-parenting techniques and to keep children out of parental conflicts. Although attendance in some programs is voluntary, many jurisdictions require divorcing parents to attend.

Peter Salem, associate director of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts in Madison, Wisconsin, said that mandatory programs now exist in 41 states. He observed that a recent survey identified about 1,600 programs developed by numerous organizations. Moreover, he said, the programs have expanded significantly, noting that an earlier survey indicated that only about 100 programs existed in 1990.

One widely used program, "Children Cope with Divorce" (CCWD), is offered through colleges, nonprofit organizations, and court systems using mental health professionals trained as program instructors by the Georgia-based Families First organization. Reporting overall satisfaction with its program, the group said that exit interviews in various locations indicated that 94 percent of the parents who attended CCWD seminars found them helpful or very helpful.

In addition, the group said that nearly all judges responding to a Families First survey said CCWD lessened the negative effects of divorce on children. Further, 80 percent of responding judges said the program helped parents agree on custody arrangements, and 79 percent said the program decreased relitigation.

ATLA Family Law Section Chair Michael Minton, discussing mandatory programs in DuPage County and Cook County, Illinois, said these programs are absolutely necessary. He observed that most families are unprepared to deal with the pain divorce causes.

He explained that parents who seek a divorce in DuPage County must enroll in a two-and-a-half hour seminar entitled "Caring, Coping, and Children" within 45 days after filing. Citing the need for greater public awareness, Minton observed that individuals are generally not aware of the programs unless they seek a divorce. He applauded the DuPage program because it urges parents to attend classes before filing for divorce.

Citing the Family Law Section's mission of understanding the family in transition, Minton said attorneys must assist families, including children, to see some positive result from a divorce.