Parents and Children In Transition
PACT, Parents and Children in Transition, is an educational program for parents living apart. This program is approved by the Probate and Family Court Department of the Trial Court of Massachusetts and is open to the public.
This five-hour parent education program focuses on the needs of children when parents live apart. PACT addresses issues relevant to:
 | Divorcing parents of minor children and previously divorced parents |
| There is a separate program addressing the issues of never married parents called, For The Children-FTC. That information can be accessed here. |
Both of the 2 1/2 hour sessions are facilitated by a male/female team of child development and parent education specialists and consists of video, presentation and discussion.
| Problem solving |
| Cooperative parenting |
| Pitfalls for parents to avoid |
| What children need to know |
| What parents can do to help children adjust |
| Reactions of children when parents live apart |
Certificates of attendance will be distributed at the end of the second session. PACT will deliver your certificate to the Hampshire County Probate and Family Court if your docket number is provided.
Pre-Registration is required. After registering, you must receive a confirmation letter or phone call from PACT. Attendance without confirmation is not permitted. Upcoming PACT dates are:
Wednesdays September 6&13
Tuesdays October 17&24
Wednesdays December 6&13
**Parents with common children will not be allowed to attend the same session, priority is based on a first come, first served basis**
The fee for the workshop is $65.00 per person. All but $5.00 may be waived for persons qualifying as indigent. A fee waiver can be obtained through the Probate and Family Court, (413) 586-8500, or can be downloaded from the probate court website . The approved waiver must be attached to the registration form along with the $5.00 fee.
When registering, do not send cash. Checks and money orders can be made payable to:
HCBA
15 Gothic Street, Suite 10
Northampton, MA 01060-3084
| All classes are held at the Hall of Records' 1st Floor Multipurpose Room, 33 King St., Northampton (Across from the Hotel Northampton). |
| Free Parking is available behind the Probate & Family Court. |
| Child Care is not provided. Do not bring children. |
| All sessions begin on time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter. |
If you have any questions about the program you may call us at (413)586-4597 , or you can Contact Us.
***For Information on other Parent Education Programs in MA- please check our Resources page