For the Children (FTC)
*** Program is NO longer available ***
For The Children is a supportive parent education program, open to the public, that focuses on the needs of children of never-married parents. The program is two 2-1/2 hour long sessions and is held in the evenings. Topics include:
- The vital role of parents in children’s lives
- Pitfalls for parents to avoid
- Understanding children’s needs
- Cooperative parenting
- Supporting children when parents live apart
A male/female team of child development and parent education specialists leads the program. The program consists of video clips, group discussions, and short presentations.
Please read all of the information below about registration, payment, schedules, and requirements.
Register by Mail
Download, print and fill out this registration form to enter the FTC program.
If you are required to pay for the program, pay via Paypal or send your check via USPS.
If you have obtained a fee waiver, you must mail it in with a $5.00 payment and your registration form.
Important Information for FTC Sessions
- Pre-registration is required. Sessions tend to fill quickly. Click the Registration tab or call 413-586-4597 for further registration information.
- Certificates of attendance will be distributed at the end of the second sessions.
- Child care is not available. Please do not bring children.
- Parents with children in common are required to attend separate sessions.
- All sessions begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Parents arriving late will need to reschedule.
- Sessions end on time at 8:30 p.m.
- “If you have a court order preventing contact between you and the other parent and child (ren), or if there is a history of domestic violence, you may ask the court for a waiver.”
- Call 413-586-4597 for further registration information.
FTC Sessions are 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The location will be announced when your registration is confirmed. All programs are held in Northampton.
2021 Schedule:
December 6 & 13
- Registration Fee: Registration is free for those required to attend, and who have custodial and non-custodial parenting arrangements (funding provided by The Access & Visitation Project).
- For all others to attend: $50.00 per person
- Fee waivers: All but $5.00 may be waived for persons qualifying as indigent. A fee waiver can be obtained through the Probate and Family Court (413) 586-8500 and must be attached to the registration with $5.00.
- Pre-registration is required. After registering you will receive a confirmation letter via email.
- The dates and location of the program will be announced in the confirmation letter. Currently all programs are held remotely.
Resources for FTC Parents
Also in preparation for our classes and to better support you and your children, FTC registrants are asked to log onto the website www.ProudToParent.org and complete the program.
This highly acclaimed educational and motivation resource will guide you to greater clarity on issues related to our workshop.
Upon conclusion of this online program, a certificate of completion can be printed which can be submitted to the courts documenting your participation in the web-based aspect of our training.
Link to Ourfamilywizard, an online program to help co-parents communicate effectively and with a built-in buffer:
Family Relations Specialty Court (Hampshire County) and click here to visit the Court’s website for more information.
ADR (Conciliation, Mediation, Case Evaluation & Arbitration) Provider List
DV (Domestic Violence) Resource List
COVID-19 Resources
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/resources/covid-19/
https://www.kidsfirstiowa.org/additional-resources/resources-parents
https://www.divorcemag.com/covid-19-and-divorce-resource-page
Want to Start a Parent Ed Program?
Would you like to start a parent education program for never-married parents in your area?
The “For The Children” program manual is available for free as a download and additional materials are available for purchase. Please see this Order Form for available options.
If you have any questions, please submit them to us via email, or call us at 413-586-4597.