This program is delivered to parents who are separating or divorcing and who are experiencing mild to moderate levels of parental conflict and is intended to impact parents and their child(ren).

Cooperative Coparenting through Separation or Divorce, a community-based program, is designed to improve co-parenting skills and strengthen co-parenting relationships.

No peer-reviewed publications evaluating the effectiveness of the newest version of this program were located. Results from one pretest / posttest study of a previous version of the program demonstrated that parents participating in the program experienced improvements in perceived overall relationships and co-parenting abilities and behaviors.

delivered by a facilitator to groups of 10-16 parents and consists of video and group discussion. Sessions focus on teaching parents the following:

• Realize the effects of parental conflict on children;
• Learn how to replace harmful reactions with constructive responses;
• Develop practical skills needed to manage anger, strengthen impulse control, manage conflicts, and communicate without arguments;
• Build a two-home communication system;
• Identify and confront negative patterns;
• Take on greater responsibility;
• Handle common situations such as returning clothing;
• Deal with transfers;
• Manage finances; and
• Realize the effects of a significant other dating.

A parent guide gives information and real-life examples and worksheets for parents to practice new skills at home. The guide can be referred to after the course is over as a reminder of helpful parenting strategies.

The extent to which this program has been implemented is unclear.

This program is facilitated by professionals who have an interest in becoming a parenting coordinator and working with families who are going through high levels of conflict and divorce (e.g., practicing lawyers, dispute resolution professionals, mental health professionals with extensive experience working with families). Training includes a 24-hour online course that costs $850 per person or a 26-hour online course for an additional fee. In addition, 4- to 6-hour zoom workshops are available on various topics and cost $150-$225 each. Please visit https://cooperativeparenting.com/training/ for more information.

Considerations for implementing this program include recruiting a facilitator and understanding that program materials will need to be purchased; ensuring that facilitators have access to a computer with the Windows operating system running Microsoft Office 2007 or later, a USB port, and PowerPoint software; arranging to have a projector or TV attached to the facilitator’s computer to show slides and videos; acquiring participant buy-in; finding suitable times when both parents can participate, if holding group sessions; and possibly providing child care during sessions.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing Cooperative Coparenting through Separation or Divorce, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

This program consists of 8-weekly, 2- to 2.5-hour classes.

The Cooperative Coparenting through Separation of Divorce Program Kit costs $599 and includes a PowerPoint presentation with embedded video, a leader’s guide, a sample parent’s guide, a sample parent class completion certificate, two course announcement posters, and one reproducible promotional flyer. The Parent’s Guide costs $24.95 each. The Leader’s Guide costs $49.95 each. Please visit https://cooperativeparenting.com/product/cooperative-coparenting-through-separation-or-divorce-program-kit/ for more information.

To move Cooperative Coparenting through Separation or Divorce to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed of the newest version of the program that demonstrates positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact The Cooperative Parenting Institute by mail 1936 A. North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven, GA 30319, phone 1-404-273-3370, fax 1-404-982-0006, email office@cooperativeparenting.com, or visit https://cooperativeparenting.com/

https://cooperativeparenting.com/product/cooperative-coparenting-through-separation-or-divorce-program-kit/