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.

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.

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

Level Two

  • The goal of successful CoParenting after separation is to provide a stable, supportive, and healthy family experience for the children.

    CoParent Training is a specialized approach designed for separated or divorced parents. It offers a structured framework to help parents move forward, rebuild communication, and develop cooperative parenting strategies modeled after those used by successful co-parents.

    Separation and divorce are times of significant emotional stress and change. Many parents struggle to make important decisions about their children during this period. These challenges can lead to increased conflict and litigation, which may worsen family dynamics, expose children to harmful tension, and prevent the adoption of healthier communication and conflict resolution strategies.

    Research shows that about half of children with separated parents adjust well after a separation, while the other half experience moderate to severe difficulties. Decades of research have identified clear patterns: we understand the common mistakes parents make that lead to poor outcomes—and, more importantly, we know what works to help children thrive after separation.

    The Key Factor: Parental Communication and Cooperation
    The most important predictor of positive outcomes for children is how well their separated parents are able to communicate and cooperate.

    • High conflict and poor cooperation almost always lead to emotional and behavioral problems in children.

    • Low conflict and effective cooperation, on the other hand, foster resilience and well-being, helping children enjoy a stable and healthy childhood.

    Optional Second Step: One-on-One Support
    After completing the online CoParenting course, parents have the option to meet with a CoParent Trainer. These sessions are designed to strengthen communication skills, build effective parenting strategies, and help create personalized agreements to improve co-parenting success. Please reach out if you have any questions.

  • $95 includes cost of course and fees

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