Cope
General Information | FAQ | Registration | Seminar Schedule | Resources
It is recommended that you read through this entire page if visiting for the first time.
General Information
We know that divorce/separation can be a difficult time for all involved. We also know that parents’ actions and decisions profoundly affect how well a child adjusts to the changes. We truly hope parents will leave the seminar feeling like they have more tools for helping their children to thrive and be happy during this transition.
Topics Include:
- What children of different ages feel and think about during divorce and separation
- How to talk to your children about the divorce or separation; how to get children to open up
- How conflict affects your children
- Changing your relationship with the other parent to reduce conflict
- Shared parenting dos and don’ts; strategies for parenting with the other parent
- Why children need noncustodial parents to stay involved
- Information on creating a parenting plan and where to look for resources
- And more...
FAQ-- Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes this class?
This one-time, four-hour seminar is for parents who are divorcing, separating, or petitioning for child-related issues. This seminar is required for both parents by the Marion County courts. Although it is court-mandated for most parents that attend, anyone may register for this class.
Why do I have to take this class?
Classes like these have been widely successful across the nation at reducing conflict between parents. Less conflict means less litigation, saving parents more money in the long run. These classes are proven to be effective at teaching parents how to lessen the negative impact of divorce and separation on their children.
Why can’t parents attend together?
Parents often have good intentions when wanting to attend together, but we’ve found that this can cause problems. Separation is difficult and the topics discussed are sensitive. Parents seem to open up and get the most out of the class when they are free to express themselves without the other parent present, even in cooperative relationships. Before we implemented this policy, we had problems with parents trying to provoke or embarrass the other parent in front of the class and a variety of other problems which can be disruptive to the entire class. We hope that cooperative parents will be able to discuss the issues outside of class.
I live in another county, will this class work?
We allow anyone to take the class. Whether or not it will meet the requirements outside of Marion County is really up to your county’s court. We encourage you to get an OK from the court before signing up.
Can I bring my children?
Children are not allowed in the class, and we do not provide childcare.
Is there a class for my kids?
We also hold a fun, activity-based workshop for children whose parents have divorced or separated called Rollercoasters. This class is for all children ages 6-12. Please visit our Rollercoasters page for more information or to register online.
Where can I get more help?
We offer a FREE parenting discussion group for divorced or separated parents. It meets every Tuesday of each month. Free childcare is available during the group. We have included links to various court-related resources at the bottom of this page.
Registration
You may register by mail with a printed form, by phone, or online. See seminar schedule below for class dates.
We do not guarantee that the class you want will have an opening. Classes fill up fast so we suggest you register early. When registering by mail or online please select two class dates, and we will contact you to confirm your registration date.
The child's biological parents (or the two parties involved in the case) are required to attend separate classes-- no exceptions.
3 ways to register:
- Register online
- or call 503-581-9922
- or mail a printable Cope registration form to the YWCA
Cost: $50 per participant.
Seminar Schedule:
All classes will be held in our NEW building on Broadway
| May 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| May 17 | Saturday | 9 AM - 1 PM |
| May 22 | Thursday | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
| May 31 | Saturday | 9 AM - 1 PM |
| June 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| June 7 | Saturday | 9 AM - 1 PM |
| June 12 | Thursday | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
| June 21 | Saturday | 9 AM - 1 PM |
| June 26 | Thursday | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
Resources
Marion County Circuit Court, Family Law, 503-373-4349. Lots of good information on this site that might be helpful including:
- Parent Resources
- Mediation
- Child Safety Issues
- Domestic Violence
- Marriage Counseling
- Parenting Classes
- Parenting Time Enforcement
- Family Law Self-Help
- Attorney Help
Oregon Judicial District, Family Law
Not filing in Marion County? Find other local courts and seminars similar to Cope that are offered in other counties in Oregon.
Publications are available that might be useful on this site such as the parenting plan packet.
