Focus on Children


The Focus on Children class is offered online through a video-conferencing platform.


FOCUS ON CHILDREN



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This class teaches parents about:

•Children’s developmental stages and what divorce and separation means to them at different ages;

•The emotional impact of divorce and separation on children;

•The difference between “normal” grief reactions and behaviors parents should be more concerned about, with accompanying resources for parents and children;

•How children are impacted by the ways the parents act towards each other;

•Effective strategies for better co-parenting during and after divorce or family separation;

•Custody, parenting time, and shared parenting plans;

•Mediation and conflict resolution.


Is the class mandatory?

Yes, if: 1) you are party to an annulment, dissolution (divorce), legal separation, custody or visitation action, or post-decree litigation involving custody or visitation, AND 2) children under the age of 18 are involved.


When are classes held?

Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 


How long is the class?

Focus on Children is a one-time, three-hour class held on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon. You must attend the entire class to earn the Certificate of Attendance.

Is childcare provided?

No, childcare is not provided during the class. Please make alternate arrangements for your children.


How many people are in the class?

The class average is 20 people.


Who teaches the class?

The class is taught by a Family Mediation staff member who is knowledgeable and experienced in the types of issues that arise when children are involved in divorce and separation.


Where is the class held?

The Focus on Children class is offered virtually. 


When do I register?

Generally, you can register before or after you have filed for your legal action. However, once either parent has filed with the court, petitioners must register within 15 days of filing and respondents must register within 15 days of being served.


How do I register for a class?

The easiest way to register for Focus on Children is to register online through EventBrite.

Click this link to register online: Register Here.

If you would like to register by mail, print the registration form and mail it along with full payment. Your registration will not be processed without full payment. We do not have staff available to process in-person registration. Registration closes at 8:00 a.m. the day before class. We do not have a waiting list and classes often fill seven days or more in advance.


If I have questions, can I stop by your office to discuss?

We do not have staff available to respond to in-person questions or consultations unless scheduled in advance (this is only available if staffing levels permit it). If you have questions that are not answered on our list of Frequently Asked Questions, please contact us by phone or email and we will reply within 24-48 business hours. 

How much does the class cost?

The class costs $60 per person and is nonrefundable. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. If you do not attend the class for which you registered, you will need to re-register and pay another $60 to attend class on another date.


Are fee waivers for this class available?

Lane County Family Mediation offer a 50% or 100% reduction in fees based on household size and household income.

In order to qualify for a fee reduction for Focus on Children, you must first apply for a fee waiver at the Lane County Circuit Court when you file your paperwork with the court .

Please note that a fee waiver granted from the court no longer guarantees a full fee waiver for the Focus on Children class; a fee waiver or fee reduction will be based on household size and household income as reported in your court fee waiver application. To request a fee waiver for Focus on Children, complete this form.

The fee waiver is valid only for one class registration per court action. If you do not attend the class for which you registered, you must pay the $60 class fee in full to attend on a later date.

What if I have to cancel, reschedule, or did not show for the class I registered for?

You will have to re-register and pay another $60 to attend class on another date.


Do I have to take the class if I have taken it before?

Yes, with one exception: If you have taken the class within the past 90 days, contact our office by email to apply for a waiver of attendance.


May I attend the same class as the other parent?

No, we do not allow parents to take the class together: 1) years of experience have shown us that parents often don’t feel comfortable asking a question or raising a concern about a child in front of the other parent; and 2) parents are not as willing to engage in group work with others in the class when the other parent is present.


Are the services confidential?

No, participation in Focus on Children is a matter of public record and is therefore not protected by confidentiality.

How will the Court know I have attended?

If you have a current court action at the time you registered for the class, Family Mediation will provide a Certificate of Completion directly to the Court. If you do not have a current court action at the time of registration,  Family Mediation will give the certificate to you at the end of the class and you are responsible for filing the certificate with the Court.


How do I access free mediation services?

The first step is for each parent to take the Focus on Children class. After you and the other parent attend the class, we will schedule a mediation appointment for you.


I live more than 100 miles from Eugene. Do I need to take Focus on Children?

Focus on Children is being offered virtually through a video conferencing platform. As such, you will need to complete Focus on Children. 


How do I contact Family Mediation staff with additional questions?

You may email us with additional questions. Contact Family Mediation Staff.

 

Focus on Children Forms