Third Judicial District Parent Education Courses

The Third Judicial District includes the following counties: 
Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona.

Third District Order RE: Online Parent Education Courses (2019)


Parent Education Required in Contested Custody or Parenting Time Cases:

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 518.157 enacted in 1998, parents involved in contested custody or parenting time cases, regardless of whether a marriage relationship exists, must complete a minimum of eight hours of parent education.  Starting August 1, 2021, unless otherwise ordered, participation in a parent education course must begin within 30 days of the first filing in the case and prior to an Initial Case Management Conference, if one is scheduled.  In all other proceedings involving custody, support, or parenting time, the court has discretion to order the parents to attend a parent education program.  The courses attended by parents must meet the Parent Education Minimum Standards.


Currently approved courses

In-Person:

  • Bridging Parental Conflict, offered by the Bridging Center, Edina, (612) 440-4252 (works best in Chrome browser)
  • Happy Co-Parenting - Jacobs Ladder Family Services
  • Parents Forever In-Person Courses offered by
    • Parenting Resource Center, Austin, (507) 437-8330 (no child care available)
    • True Foundation Counseling Services, Brooklyn Park, (763) 657-1551
    • Health Resources, Detroit Lakes, (218) 844-8822
    • Fergus Falls Community Education, Fergus Falls, (218) 998-0544
    • Friends Against Abuse, International Falls, (218) 285-7220 (no child care available)
    • Roseau County Northwest Mediation Services, Roseau, (218) 425-3106
    • St. Cloud YMCA, Parent Enrichment Classes (scymca.org)
    • Ann Mozey, Stillwater, (651) 644-1000 (no child care available)
Live Video Conferenceing
Online Courses