Mandatory Parenting Classes being Considered

Under Illinois law, 750 ILCS 5/404.1, parents of minor children may be ordered by the court to complete an educational program that addresses the effects of dissolution of marriage on the minor children. Each county has specific court-approved programs, many of which are available online now. Generally, divorcing couples cannot get divorced until they have completed the parenting course and presented a certificate of completion. Most parents seems to find the class informative and do not mind taking it.
Lawmakers in New York are currently considering a bill that, if it became a law, would require all parents, regardless of their marital status, to enroll in parenting workshops that are designed to enhance parenting skills. In fact, the parent’s attendance of the four workshops would be a condition of the child being admitted into the seventh grade. Employers would be required to provide a paid day off for employees who are required to enroll.
The bill has provoked significant debate. National polls indicate people are equally split on whether these class are a good idea. Supporters claim that the bill is “pro-family” and bad parenting has an impact on the rest of society. Accordingly, parenting should be regulated. Critics say it is an example of big government interfering in personal lives.
It seems there is not much debate surrounding the appropriateness of mandating parenting classes for divorcing parents. There’s a double standard for divorcing parents, who the law presume need to be educated, and the parents don’t have a choice if they want to get divorced.