PARENTING COORDINATION: DOES ONE MODEL FIT ALL? AFCC ANNUAL CONFERENCE WASHINGTON, D.C. May 30, 2007

INSTITUTE WILL BE Interactive Focused on models, ethics, and legal issues rather than “how to’s” Based upon the experience of the four presenters and of the participants.

AFCC INSTRUMENTAL IN DEVELOPMENT OF PARENTING COORDINATION First Task Force on Parenting Coordination First Task Force on Parenting Coordination 2003 Report on Implementation Issues Second Task Force on Parenting Coordination Second Task Force on Parenting Coordination 2005 AFCC Guidelines Ongoing training in parenting coordination Ongoing training in parenting coordination

PARENTING COORDINATION IS: (AFCC Guidelines for Parenting Coordination, 2005) PARENTING COORDINATION IS: (AFCC Guidelines for Parenting Coordination, 2005) A child-focused alternative dispute resolution process in which a mental health or legal professional with mediation training and experience assists high conflict parents to implement their parenting plan

by facilitating the resolution of their disputes in a timely manner, educating parents about children’s needs, and with prior approval of the parties and/or the court, making decisions within the scope of the court order or appointment contract.

History of Parenting Coordination Colorado Colorado California California Other states Other states

Statutes Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, North Carolina Pending in Massachusetts and ? Vetoed in Florida, but being instituted by Supreme Court rule Related statutes/rules in Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Vermont, ?

PC Also Known As: Special Master Med-ArbiterWiseperson Custody Commissioner Parenting Referee Family Court Advisor

Goals of Parenting Coordination Minimize chronic conflict Focus and educate parents on the needs of their children Reduce litigation Improve communication Decision-making

Appoint PC When: Ongoing disagreements about implementation of parenting plan Parties agree to use a PC to reduce cost and burden of continued litigation In some states Court can appoint without parents’ agreement if history of extreme or unremitting conflict. In some states Court can appoint without parents’ agreement if history of extreme or unremitting conflict.

WHO CAN BE PARENTING COORDINATORS?  Qualifications  Training

(G-I.) QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO BE A PC Basic mediation training and experience as a family mediator Licensed mental health or legal professional or certified family mediator with master’s degree in a mental health field Extensive practical experience in the profession with high conflict or litigating parents

Training In: –Child development –Family systems –Effects of divorce on children –Dynamics of power –Relevant Law

Training In: (2) – High conflict –Parenting coordination skills, interventions and process –Domestic violence –Divorce impasse issues

Ongoing Training Continuing education Continuing education Consultation/Supervision Consultation/Supervision Mentoring Mentoring

“Grandfather” existing professionals with appropriate experience