Notice for Parenting Program

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NOTICE TO ATTEND PARENTING PROGRAM
You are a party to a domestic relations action in which issues of parental rights and responsibilities are to be determined.  In an attempt to minimize any negative impact this matter may have on your children, the Court requires the parties to attend a program which provides information on how the parents’ separation affects their children, and which teaches ways to minimize problems in the future.  The program is intended to benefit all parties equally, but it likely is your children who benefit the most from your participation.
You are required to complete a parenting program prior to the Court hearing and deciding your case.  Your attendance is required by local court rule as authorized by state statutes and Supreme Court Rules.  If you fail to attend, you may be found in contempt of court for which you may receive a jail sentence and/or fine.  In addition, your failure to attend may be considered by the Court when issues of custody or parenting time are determined.
After completing a program, you must file with the Clerk of Courts your certificate of completion.  This certificate must be provided by the program and verifies your satisfactory completion of the parenting program.

 Program Sponsored by the Ohio State University Extension Office
You will need to access the classes online at https://scponline.osu.edu/.  Registration costs are $35.00 per person and is payable online via credit card through Cybersource, a secure registration site.  You will need 1½ to 2 hours to complete the self-paced, interactive course.  Dr. Roseanne Scammahorn will respond to questions that arise and verify the class was completed satisfactorily.  Once verified, a certificate of completion will be issued to you to file with the Court.
This is a statewide, on-line classroom with participants from all Ohio counties that have various certificate and verification requirements.  When you register, contact Dr. Scammahorn at scammahorn.5@osu.edu or 937-548-5215 so you can be registered as a Darke County participant.

 Programs Sponsored by Faith Based and Other Organizations
Various other programs are available to fulfill the obligations of the Court.  These programs may require different time commitments and financial charges.   Individuals interested in faith-based or on-line programs are encouraged to inquire into the program and then verify that the content will meet the Court’s requirements.  Approved programs include: (1) Children in the Middle, c/o Catholic Social Services, Sidney, Ohio 937-498-4593; (2) Divorce Care, offered by various area churches on a periodic basis; (3) Agreeable Parenting When Parents Disagree, c/o Pastor Steve Short, Greenville 937-547-0009; (4) North American Learning Institute,  https://nalearning.org/parents/ DarkeCounty which is a four hour, on-line class that costs $25.00.    These programs may also provide counseling and education for children of the parties.

TRANSITIONING FAMILIES
A program held by Kristi Edger, Licensed Social Worker, is a one-on-one class.  The class is scheduled at a time that works best for you in order to meet your court ordered requirements.  There is a fee of $50.00 per person. You will receive a certificate at the end of the class to file with the Clerk of Courts.   Call 937-417-3123 for an appointment.