TransParenting is an educational program that focuses on the needs of children in situations of parental separation or family breakup. TransParenting’s goals are to improve the family’s communication through the separation (and/or divorce) and to empower parents with better solutions to their family’s challenges. Effective July 1, 2001, educational seminars such as this are mandated in Virginia for both divorcing and never married parents.

History
Originally developed in Atlanta, TransParenting is a national program operating in 39 states and 180 jurisdictions.

• 96% of family court judges surveyed state that the program “serves to lessen the negative effects of divorce on children.”
• More than 94% of parents say the program is “helpful” or “extremely helpful”
• 98% would recommend the program to others

Program Topics

• Emotional reactions to family breakup
• What to expect from families and friends
• Positive and negative consequences of the changes in parents’ living situations
• Parenting approaches that benefit the child
• Guidelines that benefit the child
• Guidelines for talking to children about separation and/or divorce
• Helping children through difficult emotions and changes in living situations
• New family structures and the role of the step-parent
• List of resources for additional information and support

Who Can Benefit?
People dealing directly with family changes:
Divorcing parents; never married parents; previously divorced parents who are changing custody or visitation agreements; custodial grandparents; and concerned family members.

People wanting to help children adjust to family changes:
Educators; social workers; therapists; clergy; school counselors; and lawyers.

Format
The seminars are:

• Presented by professional counselors from Family Service of Roanoke Valley
• Presented in an educational group format including the use of charts, video clips, role playing and a parent handbook
• Bi-monthly on two evenings. Seminars will last four hours each evening.

Cost
The fee for each seminar is $35.00(may be subject to change) and pre-registration is required.

For more information, please contact the Intake Specialist at (540) 563-5316, ext. 3014.