ACT Program

The ACT Program (AKA A.C.T. ~ For the Children) is an education program that provides divorcing or separating parents with information and strategies to help their children and themselves through the often difficult family changes caused by a divorce or separation. The program is sponsored by the Seventh Judicial District.

Mission Statement:

A.C.T. ~ For the Children is dedicated to reducing the negative impact of a parental breakup on children. The program provides parents with information and skills for protecting their children by reducing conflict, strengthening parent-child relationships, and fostering children’s healthy development.

Target Group: Separating and divorcing parents.

Availability: Classes, 2 sessions taught one week apart, offered in downtown Rochester, NY.

Parents learn how to:

• Reduce the negative impact of divorce or separation on children
  

• Minimize conflict and foster children’s heathy adjustment
  

• Maintain a structured, stable, home environment
  

• Take care of themselves physically and emotionally so that they can take good care of their children

Participants state that A.C.T.~ For the Children has helped them by:

• Increasing their ability to protect their children from parental conflict
  

• Teaching them ways to interact with the other parent that are appropriate for the level of conflict between them
  

• Reducing the need for court involvement
  

• Motivating and assisting them to seek the help they need and providing resource materials
  

• Showing them how to build stronger relationships with their children
  

• Giving them hope for a brighter future

What to Expect:

• Classes are taught in two, three and one-half hour, sessions offered one week apart .
  

• Two mental health professionals serve as instructors for both sessions.
  

• A variety of presentation techniques are used including lecture, small group discussion, role play, and video clips.
  

• There is a one hour presentation by a judge and an attorney explaining aspects of the legal process.
  

• Topics include considerations in choosing whether to resolve differences in court or by mediation , collaboration or other alternatives to litigation, child support, and custody.
  

• Each parent is given a Parent’s Handbook and a Guide to Resources in the Greater Rochester Area. Pamphlets of organizations throughout the community that may further help parents are also available at the classes.
  

• There will be coffee and light refreshments both days.

Enrollment:

• A confidential enrollment form must be completed to sign up for a class. Information provided on the enrollment form is confidential and is not seen by anyone other than the Program Administrator.
  

• The class fee indicated on the enrollment form must be submitted with the enrollment form.
  

• There are four questions on the enrollment form that must be answered. These questions seek to determine whether domestic violence may be present. A parent who indicates that domestic violence may be a concern will be contacted by the program administrator and given the opportunity to decide whether or not to attend the program.
  

• Screening takes place to ensure parents do not attend the same class.
  

• When your enrollment is processed you will be sent a confirmation letter, and a map to the class location.
  

• The A.C.T. Program awards financial scholarships to cover the cost of the program for eligible participants.
  

• Total or partial reimbursement of the program fee may be available through your health insurance policy.
  

• Preferred Care Option Members are covered in full
  

• Preferred Care Members with Health Dollars in their policy are eligible for $50.00 reimbursement. The form may be submitted directly to Preferred Care.

For further information on:

• A.C.T. - check the the 7th Judicial District Website Page.
  

• Statewide initiative, or to find a certified parent education provider in your area check the NY Courts Parent Education Page

Notes and References

• A.C.T. - For the Children Article at ChildrensInstitute.net from 2001
  

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  

• Collaborative Law Association of Rochester Area.
  

• Press Release - JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, director of programs for Families in Transition at the Children's Institute and associate professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Rochester, appointed to New York State Parent Education Advisory Board.
  

• RNews Story 2004
  

• Accord Mediation Services
  

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