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Services for ParentsEven well intentioned, caring parents may not be aware of how their children can be scarred by the traumatic and emotional effects of their separation and divorce. Kids First Center offers a series of programs to provide practical information and emotional support to parents, regardless of the nature of their past relationship or sexual orientation. View our complete Calendar here.
Kids First Program - The First Step Kids First Program for Women Next Step: Putting Conflict Aside Kids First Program for Parents with New Partners Intensive Co-Parenting Education Course Free Evening Workshops for Parents & Professionals |
Kids First Program - The First Step
The First Step is the initial four-hour program providing an understanding of co-parenting best practices, the separation/divorce process, and how to help children experiencing parental separation and conflict. The class is taught by a team of a mental health professional and a legal professional. Parents are encouraged to attend this program as early in the separation or divorce process as possible or at any time when struggling to work with children's other parent. Both parents are encouraged to attend as early in the separation or divorce process as possible.
This program is offered online twice/month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
The First Step is the initial four-hour program providing an understanding of co-parenting best practices, the separation/divorce process, and how to help children experiencing parental separation and conflict. The class is taught by a team of a mental health professional and a legal professional. Parents are encouraged to attend this program as early in the separation or divorce process as possible or at any time when struggling to work with children's other parent. Both parents are encouraged to attend as early in the separation or divorce process as possible.
- This interactive online webinar is offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings
- Fee: $75 per person
This program is offered online twice/month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
"I cannot speak highly enough about the Kids First Program. It is an extraordinary resource to parents and children in Maine, and has provided real and practical guidance for parents experiencing the difficulties inherent in divorce. The expanded programs are now providing this wonderful resource to other parents who find themselves in challenging circumstances. The children of Maine are truly blessed by the presence of this resource." |
"What Kids First did was lay the framework for me, for sure, to understand that over time my definition of family would need to change in order to keep up with my reality." |
Kids First Program for Women
This is a six-hour workshop designed for parents who identify as female who have left relationships where intimate partner abuse or domestic violence is present. This program provides information about parenting under these circumstances, about abuse, safety planning and community resources.
- This interactive online workshop is offered on Saturdays
- Fee: $75 per person
This program is offered online monthly (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
Read more about the Program...
Next Step: Putting Conflict Aside
This is a four-week program that builds on the concepts taught in the introductory class, The First Step. This class focuses on co-parenting skill building, managing conflict, and improving communication. Co-parenting partners may attend together, though it is not required. Because The Next Step is a group experience, attendance at all four weeks is required.
It is important to the group process that you participate each week in Next Step. Since each class builds on the previous class, please register when you know that you can attend all four sessions. Certificates of attendance will only be issued upon substantial completion of the class time. While Kids First realizes that circumstances may arise that require you to be absent, please let us know so we can address your particular situation. If you need to miss the first class, you will be asked to reschedule to the next available four-week session. Finally, given the nature of the group work, make-up sessions are not available for Next Step attendees. Please contact the Kids First Center if you have any questions about the attendance policy or if you have scheduling conflicts that you would like to discuss.
This program is offered online every other month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
This is a four-week program that builds on the concepts taught in the introductory class, The First Step. This class focuses on co-parenting skill building, managing conflict, and improving communication. Co-parenting partners may attend together, though it is not required. Because The Next Step is a group experience, attendance at all four weeks is required.
It is important to the group process that you participate each week in Next Step. Since each class builds on the previous class, please register when you know that you can attend all four sessions. Certificates of attendance will only be issued upon substantial completion of the class time. While Kids First realizes that circumstances may arise that require you to be absent, please let us know so we can address your particular situation. If you need to miss the first class, you will be asked to reschedule to the next available four-week session. Finally, given the nature of the group work, make-up sessions are not available for Next Step attendees. Please contact the Kids First Center if you have any questions about the attendance policy or if you have scheduling conflicts that you would like to discuss.
- This interactive online group is offered on Monday evenings
- Having attended The First Step program within two years of enrollment is a prerequisite
- Fee: $220 per person
This program is offered online every other month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
Kids First Program for Parents with New Partners
This four-hour workshop outlines challenges faced in parenting and co-parenting when new partners are introduced into the family. The impact of a new relationship on family systems is discussed, along with strategies for making this transition successful for children and to enhance the family experience for all. Open to parent and new partner, as well as parents who have not re-partnered but want to support their children in a blending family. Having attended The First Step within two years of enrollment is a pre-requisite.
This program is offered online every other month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
This four-hour workshop outlines challenges faced in parenting and co-parenting when new partners are introduced into the family. The impact of a new relationship on family systems is discussed, along with strategies for making this transition successful for children and to enhance the family experience for all. Open to parent and new partner, as well as parents who have not re-partnered but want to support their children in a blending family. Having attended The First Step within two years of enrollment is a pre-requisite.
This program is offered online every other month (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins. No new registrations accepted within 24 hours of program.
To see the available dates of this program, see our CALENDAR or select when you register.
Intensive Co-Parenting Education Course (ICOPE)
(Formerly known as Kids First Program for Parents in High Conflict)
This intensive nine-week course is designed to build co-parenting skills for parents who are in high-conflict situations, either during separation and divorce or post-divorce. Psycho-educational programs such as this are predicated on the understanding that conflict resolution is about changing behaviors and actions, and not about changing feelings. Parents attending this course must be separated or divorced from each other, and will be assigned together into a 9-week session. Participation must be court-ordered by a judge or magistrate.
(Formerly known as Kids First Program for Parents in High Conflict)
This intensive nine-week course is designed to build co-parenting skills for parents who are in high-conflict situations, either during separation and divorce or post-divorce. Psycho-educational programs such as this are predicated on the understanding that conflict resolution is about changing behaviors and actions, and not about changing feelings. Parents attending this course must be separated or divorced from each other, and will be assigned together into a 9-week session. Participation must be court-ordered by a judge or magistrate.
"For the first time, I am really noticing a positive difference in our kids now that we aren't fighting"
- Dad, after attending the ICOPE program
This program is offered online (through Zoom). Link is sent one day before program begins.
Parents must send a copy of the court order to: Kids First Center, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite S, Scarborough, Maine 04074. We will contact you once the court order is received.
Parents must send a copy of the court order to: Kids First Center, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite S, Scarborough, Maine 04074. We will contact you once the court order is received.