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Latest News |
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Children First Internet Parenting Classes (2008):
The Children First Classes are now available on this web site( SEE BELOW IN "IMPORTANT LINKS"). The Internet version will not replace the physical classes. There are two 2-hour sessions (totalling four hours). You may replace class attendance in your county with the Internet version ONLY by permission of your Chief Judge. Please check with your court before registering online. Children First Foundation holds no liability for anyone who takes the Internet class without permission from their court. We encourage classroom participation whenever possible!
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Kids' Corner Makes Children of Divorce Feel Safer - Monday, July 31, 2006
When it comes to messy divorces, Madison County is in the children's corner! The 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Family Division has set up Kids' Corner to prevent parents from creating conflicts in front of their children during visitation exchanges.
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Child Center Named: Madison County Kids' Corner - Monday, October 10, 2005
Progress made on facility serving children of divorced couples. Site opens November 11, 2005.
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Center will ease Custody Disputes - Sunday, August 07, 2005
Children First Foundation to expand its visitation exchange center operation into Madison County, Illinois. County Board approves proposal.
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Photography Exhibit Benefiting Children First Foundation - Wednesday, January 12, 2005
"Images from the Portfolios of William D. Claudson" at the Broadway Center of Arts, 124 E. Main Street, Belleville, IL (3/4/05-3/28/05). Gallery Hours: M-Th: 4-7, F-Sat: 10-4. Opening Reception, March 4, 2005; 7-9pm.
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Welcome to the Children First Foundation! In 1985 the Family Division Judges of Illinois’ 20th Judicial Circuit formed a Task Force to address the alarming increase in post-decree court appearances in custody divorce cases. It had been determined that at least 75% of the Judges’ time was being spent on post-divorce activities. The Task Force, comprised of circuit court judges, St. Clair County attorneys and mental health professionals spent three years seeking solutions that might reduce this case overload. During this period (in addition to addressing the court’s issues), the Task Force arrived at a significant conclusion-----children were the silent victims of drawn-out custody battles. An effort began to develop an educational curriculum that would help “prepare” parents for typical problems families encounter during the divorce and post-divorce process. If parents were informed, the thinking went, they would be more aware and responsive to the needs of their children, and as a result, their pre-divorce custody decisions could be negotiated in a more open and cooperative way, thereby avoiding the need for numerous post-decree court appearances.
It was decided that the Children First Program would stress the needs of the children to their parents. There would be a video program containing six vignettes portraying situations dealing with the most frequent areas of conflict and re-litigation; visitation; child support and custody arrangements. Both parents would be required to attend a two-hour class facilitated by a Masters Degreed professional. Parents completing the class (s) would receive certification necessary before receiving a final Judgment of Dissolution. The Children First Curriculum is not meant as “counseling,” but is intended to serve as “education.” Dr. Dan Cuneo, a Belleville area psychologist, one of the original developers of the curriculum, and current Children First Foundation Board President has said: “Most people truly love their children, but they end up getting blinded by their hatred or distrust of the other party. I’ve seen so many kids get hurt. Something had to be done!”
The Children First Program was created by the Children First Foundation (which is a 501c 3 nonprofit), to provide licensure to organizations throughout the country to conduct the Children First Program. The program operates under court mandate and supervision. It is currently licensed in 30+ court districts across the United States and Canada.
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New - Parenting Internet Classes
The Children First Foundation, Inc. Parenting Education Internet Class has been created specifically for those parents that are unable to attend live classroom instruction, and have been granted specific permission from the court to complete the online version instead. |
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