STANDING ORDER 1-03 PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
Tis court fnds that the interests of the minor children of parties appearing be-fore it would be well served by educating their parents about children's emo-tional needs and the efects of divorce on child behavior and development.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1] All parties to a divorce action in which there are minor children, are ordered to attend and participate in an approved Parent Education Program (herein-after, program) except as herein provided. Tis requirement applies to di-vorces brought under Ch. 208 sec. 1 (fault divorces); and Ch. 208 secs. 1A and 1B (irretrievable breakdown) and as ordered by a judge of this court in an action to establish paternity, complaints for modifcation or contempt or in any case involving visitation, custody, or support of minor children.
2] Attendance at an approved program is mandatory for parties to such actions unless waived by the court. Parties must register with an approved provider within sixty days (60) days of service of the original complaint upon the original defendant and attend the next available session.
3] No Pre-trial Conference or Trial will be held by the court until the court receives a certifcate of attendance from an approved program for each party, or waives the requirement. An uncontested divorce hearing may be scheduled pending attendance if the parties fle confrmations of registration with the court and so long as both parties complete the program prior to the hearing. A Pre-Trial Conference in a contested case may be similarly scheduled so long as the parties complete the program prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
4] Te court may waive the attendance requirement upon motion, with notice, for one or both parties. Waivers will only be granted upon a demonstrable showing of chronic and severe violence which negates safe parental com-munication; language barriers; institutionalization or other unavailability of a party; failure of the other party to complete a program; unavailability of an approved program in the county in which the original divorce brought under Ch. 208 sec. 1 and Ch. 208 secs. 1A and 1B was fled; or where jus-tice otherwise indicates.
5] Sanctions for failure to register with an approved program within sixty (60) days of service of the original complaint upon the original defendant may be imposed by the court.
6] Te parties must attend programs approved by the Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attendance at an approved program, wher-ever held within the Commonwealth, is permissible. Programs which are not approved by the Chief Justice will not satisfy the attendance re-quirement. Program vendors will ensure that parties to an action do not attend the same session of any program. Lists of approved programs shall be available at all Registries of Probate and at http://www.state.ma.us /courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/selfhelp.html.
7] A pamphlet entitled Parent Education Programs: Understanding the Efect of Divorce on Children, which lists the approved program providers shall be given to the plaintif or his/her attorney upon the fling of a complaint for divorce involving minor children. Te plaintif or his/her attorney shall serve a copy of said pamphlet along with the complaint and summons to the person authorized to make service pursuant to Mass.R.Dom.Rel.P. 4(c).
8] Te parties shall each pay $65.00 to the provider in advance of the program to ofset the cost of materials and facilitators.
9] A party may pay a reduced fee of $5.00 to the provider if that party has sub-mitted and had allowed an "Affdavit of Indigency and Request for Waiver, Substitution or State Payment of Fees and Costs." Tis form is prescribed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court pursuant to G.L. c. 261, § 27B, promulgated March, 2003 and is available at the Registry of the Pro-bate and Family Court. Te party must submit a copy of this form to the provider when registering for a program at a reduced fee of $5.00.
10] Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the authority of any Probate and Family Court justice to order
parties to attend an approved program in any case involving visitation, custody, or support of minor children.
11] All information submitted in compliance with the research component of the program shall be the work product of the Probate and Family Court Administrative Ofce. Te material is for research purposes only and shall not be discoverable.
August, 2003 Sean M. Dunphy, Chief Justice
Revised: September, 2006
APPROVED PROGRAM PROVIDERS
*All programs are 2 sessions of 2½ hours each unless noted otherwise.
** Program also ofered in Spanish.
ACTON
Changing Families, Changing Times, Boundaries Terapy Center,
518 Great Rd., (978) 263-4878, Contact: Helen Frey,
Website: www.divorcenter
AGAWAM
Parents, Children & Divorce, Behavioral Health Network,
Agawam Counseling Center, 30 Southwick St., P.O. Box 84,
Feeding Hills (413) 786-6410, Contact: Coordinator
ATTLEBORO
*Family Service Assoc. of Greater Fall River, Inc., Arbour Fuller Hospital,
200 May St., (508) 678-7542, Contact: Family Service Department,
Website: www.divorcingparents.com
[2 sessions of 3 hours each]
BEVERLY
**PEACE, North Shore Counseling Center, 23 Broadway, (978) 922-2280,
Contact: Linda Migdole, Spanish language program, (978) 922-3605,
Website: www.nsccpsyc.com
BILLERICA
Divorce and Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives,
7 Concord Road, (978) 745-7808, Contact: Madeline Segal
BOSTON
Parents Apart, Charis Institute, Inc., Massachusetts General Hospital,
15 Parkman St., (978) 774-1411, x501, Contact: Steven Nisenbaum
BRAINTREE
Parents Apart, Divorce Center, Inc., Braintree Health South Hospital,
(888) 434-8787, Contact: David Seaquist,
Website: www.divorcenter
BROCKTON
*Set A Good Example (SAGE), MSPCC , 231 Main Street, 3rd foor,
(800) 339-2204, Contact: James Kenney
[2 sessions; First 2 hours, Second 3 hours]
Parents Apart, Mass Bay Counseling, Massasoit Community College,
(617) 786-3027, Contact: Karen Jones
BROOKLINE
For the Sake of the Children, Center for Families in Transition, 1419 Beacon St.,
(617) 489-2922, Contact: Stuart Andrews or Elke Schlager
Parenting Trough Divorce: Supporting the Child, Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis,
1581 Beacon Street, (617) 277-3915, Contact: Maureen K. Ryan, Website: www.bgsp.edu
CAMBRIDGE
For the Sake of the Children, Center for Families in Transition, YWCA,
7 Temple St., (617) 489-2922, Contact: Stuart Andrews or Elke Schlager
CHELMSFORD
Moving Forward, Life Transitions, Inc., 10 Billerica Road, (978) 649-6255,
Contact:
Robert DiMeo, Website: www.lifetransitionsinc.net
CHICOPEE
Parents Apart, Elm's College, Berchmans Hall, 291 Springfeld Street, (413) 528-3508, Contact: Judith Haggerty
DANVERS
Parents Apart, Charis Institute, Inc., Calvary Episcopal Church, Cherry St.,
(978) 774-1411, x502, Contact: Paul Bombara
FALL RIVER
*Family Service Assoc. of Greater Fall River, Inc., 151 Rock St.,
(508) 678-7542, Contact: Family Service Department,
Website: www.divorcingparents.com
[2 sessions of 3 hours each]
*Set A Good Example (SAGE), MSPCC, 46 North Main St.,(800) 339-2204,
Contact: James Kenney
[2 sessions, First session 2 hours, Second session 3 hours]
FITCHBURG
**Reducing the Efects of Divorce, Children's Aid & Family Service,
United Way of Central Mass., 915 South St., (978) 345-4147,
Contact: Family Counseling Center
FRAMINGHAM
Consider the Children, Divorce Education, Inc., Mass Bay Community College,
19 Flagg Drive, (508) 435-4745, Contact: Diane Ferkler or Samuel Chiancola
GARDNER
Reducing the Efects of Divorce, Children's Aid & Family Service,
Colonial Bed, Breakfast & Conference Ctr., 625 Betty Spring Rd.,
(978) 345-4147, Contact: Family Counseling Center
GREAT BARRINGTON
Parents Apart, Great Barrington Police Station, (413) 528-3508,
Contact: Judith Haggerty
GREENFIELD
Families in Transition (FIT), Franklin County Bar Association, Berkshire Community College, (413) 773-9839, Contact: Mimi Gordon
GROTON
Reducing the Efects of Divorce, Children's Aid & Family Service,
First Parish Unitarian Church, Rt. 119, (978) 345-4147
HANOVER
Parents Apart, Marvista Psychological Associates, PC, South Shore Vocational High School,
(781) 383-0860, Contact: Selma Ingber or Charles Mundhenk, Website: http://www.divorcenter.org/
HAVERHILL
Positive Co-Parenting in Difcult Times, Psychotherapy Associates of North Reading,
Northern Essex Community College, (978) 664-2566, ext. 5,
Contact: Dr. Donna Whipple, Website: www.panr.net
HYANNIS
*Set A Good Example (SAGE), MSPCC, 206 Breeds Hill Road, (800) 339-2204,
Contact: James Kenney
[2 sessions; First 2 hours, Second 3 hours]
LAWRENCE
**Divorce & Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives,
Northern Essex Community College, 45 Franklin Street, (978) 745-7808,
Contact:
Madeline Segal
LEXINGTON
Parents Apart, Charis Institute, Inc., 3 Militia Dr., (781) 863-0350, x503,
Contact: Daniel Verrengia
LITTLETON
Moving Forward, Life Transitions, Inc., 461 King St., (978) 649-6255,
Contact: Robert DiMeo, Website: www.lifetransitionsinc.net
LOWELL
Divorce & Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives,
15 Mammoth Road, (978) 745-7808, Contact: Madeline Segal
LYNN
Divorce and Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives,
Atlantic Care Medical Center, (978) 745-7808, Contact: Madeline Segal
Understanding the Efect of Divorce on Children, Family & Children's Service of Greater
Lynn, Inc., 111 North Common St., (781) 598-5517,
Contact: Linda Demerjian
MARLBOROUGH
Consider the Children, Divorce Education Inc., Relationship Institute,
431 Bolton Street, (508) 435-4745, Contact: Diane Ferkler or Samuel Chiancola
MARSHFIELD
Parents Apart, Mass Bay Counseling, Marshfeld High School, 89 Forest St., (617) 786-3027, Contact: Karen Jones
MEDFORD
Positive Co-Parenting in Difcult Times, Psychotherapy Associates of North Reading,
Medford High School, 489 Winthrop St., (978) 664-2566, ext. 5
Contact: Dr. Donna Whipple, Website: www.panr.net
MELROSE
Divorce and Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives, 355 Franklin St., (978) 745-7808, Contact: Madeline Segal
MILFORD
Consider the Children, Divorce Education, Inc., Milford High School, 31 West Fountain St., (508) 435-4745 or (508) 473-4674, Contact: Diane Ferkler or Samuel Chiancola
NEEDHAM
Focusing on Our Children, Divorce Education Services, Deaconess-Glover Hospital, 148 Chestnut St., (781) 237-5064, Contact: Ann Steele
NEW BEDFORD
*Family Service Association of Greater Fall River, Inc., Fisher College, 777 Church St., (508) 678-7542, Contact: Sue Rogue, Website: www.divorcingparents.com [2 sessions of 3 hours each]
*Set A Good Example (SAGE), MSPCC, 558 Pleasant St., (800) 339-2204,
Contact: James Kenney
[2 sessions; First 2 hours, Second 3 hours]
NEWBURYPORT
Parents Apart, Charis Institute Inc., Nock Middle School, (978) 774-1411, x505, Contact: Gerry Elliott
NORTH ANDOVER
Putting Children First, Family Service, Inc., Merrimack College, (978) 683-9505, Contact: Intake Worker
NORTH DIGHTON
Family Service Association of Greater Fall River, Inc., St. Joseph's Parish Hall, Spring St., (508) 678-7542, Contact: Sue Rogue, Website: www.divorcingparents.com
NORTH READING
Positive Co-Parenting in Difcult Times, Psychotherapy Assoc. of North Reading, 324 Main St. (Rt. 28), and Barberry Road, (978) 664-2566, ext. 5 Contact: Dr. Donna Whipple, Website: www.panr.net
NORTHAMPTON
Parents and Children in Transition (PACT), Hampshire County Bar Association, Hall of Records Community Room, 33 King St., (413) 586-4597, Contact: Rebecca Ryan
NORWOOD
Parents Apart, Child & Family Psychological Services, Inc.,
Norwood Junior High School, (781) 551-0999, Contact: Coordinator,
Website: www.cfpsych.org
Focusing on Our Children, Divorce Education Services, Norwood Hospital, (781) 237-5064, Contact: Ann Steele
PITTSFIELD
Families in Transition, Family Center of the Berkshires, 741 North St., and 333 East St., (413) 447-2142, Contact: Patrick Fleming
PLYMOUTH
Parents Apart, Marvista Psychological Associates, PC, Plymouth North High School, (781) 383-0860, Contact: Selma Ingber or Charles Mundhenk
QUINCY
Parents Apart, Mass Bay Counseling, 5 Hollis Ave., Greater Quincy Knights of Columbus, (617) 786-3027, Contact: Karen Jones
SALEM
Divorce & Its Impact on Children's Development, Perspectives, 13 Hawthorne Blvd., (978) 745-7808, Contact: Madeline Segal
SANDWICH
For the Sake of the Children, Center for Families in Transition, 142 Main St., (617) 489-2922, Contact: Stuart Andrews
SOUTHBRIDGE
Parents Apart, George B. Wells Human Service Center, Harrington Memorial Hospital, 29 Pine St., (508) 765-9167, Contact: Coordinator
SPRINGFIELD
Parents, Children and Divorce Program, Behavioral Health Network,
Child Guidance Clinic, 110 Maple St., (413) 732-7419, Contact: Coordinator
Parents & Children in Divorce, Child and Family Service of Pioneer Valley, Inc., Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, (413) 737-4718, Contact: Coordinator, Website: www.cfs.org
TAUNTON
*Family Service Association of Greater Fall River, Inc., 176 Somerset Ave., (508) 678-7542, Contact: Family Service Department, Website: www.divorcingparents.com [2 sessions of 3 hours each]
WAKEFIELD
Partners for Positive Co-Parenting, Riverside Community Care, 338 Main Street, Suite 304, (781) 246-2010, Contact: Coordinator
WALTHAM
Parents Apart, Divorce Center, Inc., 84 South St., (888) 434-8787, Contact: David Seaquist, Website: www.divorcenter
WARE
Parents and Children in Divorce, Child & Family Services of Pioneer Valley,
Mary Lane Hospital, 85 South St., (800) 232-0510, Contact: Coordinator, Website: www.cfs.org
WAREHAM
Parents Helping Children Trough Divorce, Psychology Associates, Wareham High School, (508) 747-2718, Contact: Debbie Bell
WATERTOWN
Families Divided, Divorcestep, 80 Mount Auburn Street, (508) 358-7688, www.divorcestep.com
WEST BARNSTABLE
Parents Apart, Mass Bay Counseling, Cape Cod Community College, Rt. 132, (617) 786-3027, Contact: Karen Jones
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Parents Apart, Parents in Cooperation, Brightside Center for Families and Children, 2112 Riverdale Rd., (413) 735-1719, Contact: Barry Krimsky
Parents & Children in Divorce, Child & Family Service of Pioneer Valley, 425 Union St., Level D, (413) 737-4718, Contact: Coordinator, Website: www.cfs.org
WEST TISBURY
Parents Apart of Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Community Services, First Congregational Church, (508) 693-7900, Contact: Coordinator
WESTBOROUGH
Divorce that Works for Children, Active Counseling Associates, 43 Hopkinton Road, (508) 366-7557, Contact: Sylvia Sirignano
WORCESTER
Parents Apart, University of Mass. Medical Center, 55 Lake Ave. North, Room S5-100A, (508) 856-8600, Contact: Nancy Perkins
*Children Cope with Divorce, Jewish Family Service of Worcester, 646 Salisbury St., (508) 755-3101, Contact: Zelda Schwartz, Website: www.jfsworcester.org [2 sessions of 3 hours each]
Parents Apart, Family Services of Central Massachusetts, 31 Harvard St., (508) 756-4646, Contact: Intake Department, Website: www.fscm.org
Consider the Children, Divorce Education, Inc., 6 Melville Street, (508) 435-4745, Contact: Diane Ferkler
