Parent Education

When parents dispute custody or parenting time in court, Minn. Stat. § 518.157 requires that the parents attend a parenting education class. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may also order that the children attend a class.

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.

The list below describes parenting education classes approved by the State Court Administrator’s Office and their websites. Parties should retain their certificates of completion.
 

Course Offerings:

Online Parent Education:

• Bridging Parental Conflict  (offered live online or on self-paced video)
• Children In Between
• Co-Parenting into the Future (Disponible en Español)
• Happy Co-Parenting – Jacob’s Ladder Parenting Program
• Impact-Based Parent Education
• Minnesota Co-Parenting (Disponible en Español)
• Minnesota Online Parenting Programs (Disponible en Español)
• Minnesota Parental Education and Family Stabilization
• Minnesota Parenting and Divorce
• Parents Forever
• Two Families Now (Disponible en Español)
• Able Social Services  (Disponible en Español)
• 0123 A+ Parenting (Disponible en Español)

In Person Parent Education:

•  Parent Enrichments/Parents Forever – Offered at St. Cloud YMCA

New Parent Education Courses are reviewed and approved first through the State Court Administrator's Office (SCAO) and then approved for local acceptance in each of the judicial districts or counties.

In-person, online, and virtual courses must meet the requirements of the Minnesota Supreme Court's Minimum Standards.

Please contact the SCAO Parent Education Course Approval Coordinator for information on how to submit your course for approval.