Parent Coordination

I have developed a subspecialty interest in the area of alternative dispute resolution. This includes issues related to post-decree parenting disputes experienced by divorced parents.

There is often a concern for children in the aftermath of divorce. One of the key research findings regarding the impact of divorce upon children is that their post-divorce adjustment is often shaped by the amount of post-decree conflict between the parents. One of the most effective interventions to help children of divorced parents is to facilitate reduced conflict between parents.

My interest in helping kids and families after divorce has led me to develop two services for divorced parents and their children, which differ based upon the needs and circumstances of the family.

• Co-parenting consultation — this is mediation tailored to the needs of post-decree parents.
• Parenting coordination — this is a court-ordered intervention where the provider utilizes mediation skills, but also may intervene with parents in a more directive and assertive manner than typically occurs in mediation, to reduce parent conflict and facilitate consistency in parenting styles.

The practice of parenting coordination in Illinois changed significantly when the Illinois Supreme Court adopted Rule 909 in May, 2023. Prior to this time, the parenting coordinator (PC) essentially functioned as a mediator with no decision-making authority. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909, however, the PC is vested by the court with limited-scope decision-making authority regarding parenting disputes, which are communicated to the parties in the form of binding recommendations. My practice is in Lake County, Illinois, where the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court has issued Local Rule 4-3.2.0, which describes the process for appointing the PC as well as guidelines for the practice of parenting coordination.

My practice as a court-appointed PC conforms with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909 and Local Rule 4-3.2.0 of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Additionally, my approach to parenting coordination practice is also informed by the Guidelines for Parenting Coordination, as developed by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC, 2019). The following general information about parenting coordination is excerpted from the AFCC Guidelines.

Parenting coordination is a hybrid legal-mental health role that combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management, dispute resolution, and, at times, decision-making functions.

The parenting coordinator (“PC”) assists coparents engaged in high conflict coparenting to implement their parenting plan by: (1) facilitating the resolution of their disputes in a timely manner; (2) educating coparents about children’s needs; and, (3) with prior approval of coparents or the court, making decisions within the scope of the court order or appointment contract.

A PC seeks to protect and sustain safe, healthy, and meaningful parent-child relationships. Parenting coordination is for coparents who are unable or unwilling to jointly make parenting decisions, communicate effectively, comply with parenting agreements and orders or shield their children from the impact of parental conflict. (From: Guidelines for Parenting Coordination, AFCC, 2019).

For more information about the parenting coordination services available through Hawthorn Counseling Group please contact Dr. Jochem at (847) 680-0755 or jdjochem@proton.me.