Horizons, Solutions for Change Co-Parenting Program
About Horizons
Horizons, Solutions for Change is a non-profit, self-sustaining parenting program available to residents of Topeka-Shawnee County, Kansas and neighboring communities. A nominal fee supports the purchase of course materials and courthouse security. Referrals to the program come from judges, attorneys, therapists, schools or parents who wish to attend.
For further information, to make a referral, or to volunteer, contact:
Sheri Keller
Supervisor of Domestic Court Services
Shawnee County District Court Services
(785) 233-8200, ext. 4504
SKeller [at] shawneecourt.org
Washburn Law Volunteers
Professor Linda Elrod regularly volunteers and contributes to the success of the Horizons program by making a presentation at the "first" group session. At these sessions she discusses the history of domestic law in Kansas and shares her own personal passion, philosophy and expertise in the area of parents placing children's issues paramount in their lives when choosing to divorce. Professor Elrod is passionate in her belief that high conflict is the number one factor affecting the long-term well-being of children of divorce.
Other Washburn Law volunteers for the Horizon Program include:
- Melinda Wicks and Daniel Heinz (Mindy and Dan are current volunteers and happy to answer questions about their work with the program).
- Milfred "Bud" Dale, JD '09, PhD and Lauren Douglass, JD '09 (see story).
Horizons, Solutions for Change, is a court sponsored 12-week educational co-parenting program designed for high conflict divorced / never married parents. The aim of the program is to provide these parents with the necessary tools to effectively reduce the conflict and emotional impact on their children.
Horizons is a program for parents and children:
- Parents meet twice a month in group sessions where a variety of educational materials such as videos, games, role playing, workbooks with homework assignments, and group discussions are utilized. The program demands parents think outside the box and take a real personal inventory of what they bring to perpetuating conflict in their families. Parents learn how to negotiate, cooperate, and stay focused on the best interest of their children.
- Children ages 5-17 attend three group sessions, called Horizons For Kids, specifically designed for them. They are encouraged to express themselves through art work, which is displayed on the third floor of the Shawnee County Courthouse.
Horizons for Kids is a particular challenge since the number of kids to be involved or the age level is often unknown until a session begins. Children work in small groups with mixed ages using several different kinds of program material. They greatly enjoy working with younger adults and like the fact that they are able to share their experiences with other children of similar circumstance.
Schedule of 2010 Sessions
Group meeting times is typically 5:30-7:45 p.m.
Session 10 (January thru March)
- Orientation: last week in December 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
- January 14, 2010: parents only
- January 28: parents and children
- February 11: parents only
- February 25: parents and children
- March 11: parents only
- March 25: parents and children
Session 11 (May thru July)
- Orientation: last week in April at 4:00 PM
- May 13: parents only
- May 27: parents and children
- June 10: parents only
- June 24: parents and children
- July 8: parents only
- July 22: parents and children
Session 12 (September thru November)
- Orientation: last week in August at 4:00 PM
- September 9: parents only
- September 23: parents and children
- October 14: parents only
- October 28: parents and children
- November 4: parents only
- November 18: parents and children
