Transparenting

Jeff:

"The first time I met with a counselor at FCS, I was very angry and defensive. I felt like the whole world was against me. I didn’t believe my counselor the first time she tried to explain that I had more control over my anger than I realized. I agreed to stick with the counseling, for a while anyway. With my counselor’s help, I eventually learned that being angry is a choice I make. Now I have learned to manage the way I think and react to situations in a more productive way. Even my family has noticed that I seem happier and less defensive."

TRANSPARENTING is an educational program designed to teach effective parenting skills during the transitions of divorce or parental separation. It emphasizes the critical role parents play in their child's ability to adjust to changes surrounding divorce and each parent's responsibility to provide a nurturing, non-threatening environment for the child.

Program Highlights

Why Do I Need to Attend?

Seminar Information

How Do I Sign Up?

Confidentiality

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

One million parents have successfully completed the program over the last decade.

TRANSPARENTING is a national program operating in 39 states and 180 jurisdictions.

The seminar has been profiled on 20/20, The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS News and in The New York Times, Parade Magazine, and many other national and local media.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges awarded the originating program the "Unique and Innovative Projects Award."

Ninety-six percent of family court judges surveyed state that the program "serves to lessen the negative effects of divorce on children" (Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 1997).

Exit evaluations consistently show high ratings. Despite being mandated to attend and paying a fee, more than 94% of parents say the program is "helpful". Ninety-eight percent would recommend the program to others.

WHY DO I NEED TO ATTEND?

The Family Court Judge in your county may require all parents in cases of divorce, visitation, and change of custody to complete this program. It is in the best interest of your children and helps you see divorce and family change through their eyes. Parenting during the transition of divorce and/or parental separation is challenging and this course helps parents learn typical reactions of children, what children need to adjust, what parents can do to help, and common pitfalls to avoid.

How Do I Sign Up?

	Scheduling and payment of fees will be handled through Family Counseling Service, 2020 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, (205)752-2504
	The cost of the four-hour seminar is $60.00.
	Payments will be received during office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must be received before an individual will be scheduled.

SEMINAR INFORMATION

	TRANSPARENTING classes are 4 hours.
	Classes are generally offered twice monthly. Sessions are conducted on two Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. or one Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
	If you are unable to attend your scheduled seminar, you must notify Family Counseling Service no later than the last business day prior to the seminar, during business hours. This must be done in order to have the fee already paid applied to a rescheduled seminar or in order to receive a refund.
	People arriving 15 minutes late will be asked to attend a different class and have to pay to reschedule.
	Classes are for adults only and childcare will not be provided.
	Photo identification will be required at the time of the seminar in order to attend.
	Certificates of Attendance will be handed out at the end of the class.

CONFIDENTIALITY

	The names and times of those participating in the seminar will be confidential by the Family Counseling Service staff, with the exception of reporting attendance to the court.
	Spouses will not be in the same session.