Providing Programs for Parents and Children Navigating Separation and Divorce

Each year, over one million children experience the divorce or separation of their parents. While this life change can come with significant risks and challenges for children, there are also many protective factors that can reduce those risks and foster resilience.

Our courses are designed to help parents navigate this transition with their children's well-being at the center. Participants will learn to:

  • Shift the focus toward their children’s needs and adjustment

  • Understand the emotional impact of separation on both adults and children

  • Recognize how negative conflict affects children and how parental conflict correlates with their emotional adjustment

  • Apply practical tools, techniques, and resources for effective parenting during times of family change or stress

  • Establish a foundation for long-term cooperation and successful co-parenting

  • Create effective and child-centered parenting plans

  • Develop clear and respectful communication systems

  • Use structured methods for decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving

By supporting parents, we aim to support children—helping them thrive through family transitions.

  • The Illinois Supreme Court Rule 924 requires all parents with minor children involved in legal separation, divorce, or parentage actions to complete an approved 4-hour parent education program. This course is designed to help parents understand the impact that separation, divorce, family reorganization, conflict, and litigation can have on both children and parents.

    Unless otherwise ordered by the judge, parents must complete the course as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after filing.

    Our Level One Courses are authorized by the 17th Judicial Circuit (covering Winnebago and Boone Counties) and are also approved by Carroll, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and many other counties throughout Illinois.

Getting Started

  1. Register Online: Select your online parenting class, create an account and pay using any major credit/debit card for immediate access.

  2. Attend Online Class: Interactive classes allow you to progress at your own pace in order to complete at once or over the course of multiple sessions.

  3. Receive Certificate: Certificates are available for immediately download upon completion of the course and the original Certificate of Completion will be electronically filed with the court.

  • Court-Approved Fee Waivers

    Eligibility:
    Fee waivers are available only for Level One courses and are limited to participants in Winnebago and Boone Counties.

    Required Documentation:
    You must provide a copy of your court-approved fee waiver.

    How to Apply:
    Please email us a copy of your court-approved fee waiver, or call (815) 877-7228 for assistance.
    You will receive a response within 48 hours of your request.

APPLY NOW

Online Courses

Level One: 4-hour online (English)

  • Parenting from Two Homes (also known as PACT) is a court-approved, 4-hour online educational course designed to help separated or divorced parents minimize the negative impact of family conflict on children. This interactive program empowers parents with practical tools and strategies to co-parent effectively and support their children during times of change.

    Course Highlights:

    • Meets Illinois court-mandated parent education requirements

    • Available in English and Spanish (Crianzas desde Dos Hogares)

    • Self-paced – Complete in just 4 hours

    • Accessible 24/7 on any device (computer or smartphone)

    • 30-day access with log-in/log-out flexibility

    • Certificate of Completion is instantly available and automatically filed with the Court

    This course provides a constructive roadmap for families navigating separation or divorce, promoting healthier outcomes for both parents and children.

    $75 includes 4-hour course and fees.

REGISTER & PAY

Level One: 4-hour online (Spanish)

  • Crianza desde Dos Hogares (también conocido como PACT) es un curso educativo en línea de cuatro horas, aprobado por el tribunal, diseñado para ayudar a padres separados o divorciados a minimizar el impacto negativo de los conflictos familiares en sus hijos. Este programa interactivo proporciona a los padres herramientas y estrategias prácticas para criar juntos eficazmente y apoyar a sus hijos en momentos de cambio.

    Características destacadas del curso:

    • Cumple con los requisitos de educación para padres exigidos por el tribunal

    • Disponible en inglés y español (Crianzas desde Dos Hogares)

    • A su propio ritmo: complételo en solo 4 horas

    • Accesible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, desde cualquier dispositivo (computadora o teléfono inteligente)

    • Acceso por 30 días con flexibilidad para iniciar y cerrar sesión

    • El certificado de finalización está disponible al instante y se presenta automáticamente ante el tribunal

     Este curso ofrece una guía práctica para las familias que atraviesan una separación o un divorcio, promoviendo resultados más saludables tanto para padres como para hijos. 

    $75 includes 4-hour course and fees

REGISTER & PAY

Level Two

  • CoParenting is the child’s core experience of family. Children’s developmental needs remain the same whether parents live together or apart, which is why the quality of the coparenting relationship is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s long term adjustment and well being.

    Research Shows That:

    • High conflict and poor cooperation increase the risk of emotional and behavioral problems in children.

    • Low conflict and effective cooperation support children’s resilience, adjustment, and overall well-being.

    CoParent Training is a structured program for separated parents designed to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build effective coparenting skills.

    Program Options

    1. Online Class Only

    2. Online Class + CoParent Trainer Support - contact us for details on cost and scheduling

    $95 cost of online course only

REGISTER & PAY

What Parents Are Saying

“I was pleasantly surprised by how valuable this course turned out to be. While I initially saw it as just a requirement, the information provided was incredibly helpful and truly necessary. Now I understand why it’s mandatory, and I hope all parents find it as beneficial as I did.”
“This course was very informative, especially in helping me understand what my child might be feeling during this time. It was a powerful reminder that, as parents, we need to focus on our child’s current and future needs, and commit to working together as co-parents—rather than dwelling on a past we can’t change.”
“This course was more insightful than I expected. It was easy to follow and kept me engaged throughout. Hearing real children’s perspectives was eye-opening—it made me more aware of my own children’s feelings and more attentive to their feedback and comments. Thank you.”

Contact us.

Family Matters-PACT

3600 East State St., Suite 316
Rockford, IL 61108

p: 815-877-PACT (815-877-7228)
f: 815-877-8172

info@familymatters-pact.com