PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN FAMILY COURTS: BALANCING AUTONOMY AND STATE INTERVENTION

This work considers how court-connected parent education programs can assist parents to access dispute resolution processes that best suit their families' needs, in a manner involving appropriately curtailed levels of state interference with parental autonomy. After reviewing traditionally accepted limits on state interference with family functioning, the increased concern for children's emotional well-being, and data relating to one parent education program, the author concludes that providing mandatory "basic level" informational programs to all separating parents seeking access to the family law regime is a warranted level of state intervention. "Skills-building" programs aimed at achieving demonstrably changed parental practices should be available on a voluntary attendance basis.