Connecticut requires parents in divorces and other family  matters involving children to take a mandatory parenting education course. The six hour course is designed to educate parents to help the children adjust to their changing family situation in a healthy way.         

The course includes:

• Information about children’s developmental stages and how divorce impacts children differently depending on their age and development;
• Ways to help children adjust not only to the divorce but to reduce stress for them;
• Cooperative parenting skills;
• Parenting plan alternatives;
• Conflict resolution techniques

Information about the authorized courses and locations can be found at http://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/FM151.pdf.

In order for a parenting education course to meet the requirements of Connecticut law, it must satisfy certain requirements as set by the Judicial Branch and be approved by the Judicial Branch.  

Some parents have attempted to satisfy the parenting education requirement by taking an on-line course.   On December 22, 2009, the Court Operations Division of the Judicial Branch issued cease and desist letters to two out of state on line providers for unauthorized administration of parenting education programs.  These providers apparently state or imply that their courses are somehow approved and acceptable in Connecticut.

The cease and desist letters state that participation in an on line course would only  satisfy the parenting education requirement if the parents obtain the permission of the judge before taking the course (or any other course not on the authorized list).   The judge must determine that the request to take an unauthorized course is appropriate and that the course is comperable to the courses that are authorized.