Children First is a parent education and family stabilization course designed to help families navigate the challenges of separation or divorce. It focuses on improving communication, reducing conflict, and supporting children’s well-being during this transition. Hope Haven is a Department of Children and Families (DCF)-approved provider for Florida’s Fourth Judicial District.

If you are going through a separation or divorce and have minor children, the court may require you to complete a DCF-approved parenting class. Children First meets this requirement and also offers valuable tools for co-parenting successfully.

You’ll learn:

• How to communicate more effectively with your co-parent

• Strategies to reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary litigation

• Ways to support your child’s emotional well-being

• Tools to help create a healthy, child-focused parenting plan

Yes! We offer a special needs–focused class specifically designed for parents navigating additional challenges related to diagnoses, medical needs, and structured routines. This course is also fully approved by DCF.

We offer in-person classes at Hope Haven as our primary format. We also provide a limited number of virtual seats via Zoom with live instructors. If you choose virtual, you must have reliable internet, a device with video and audio, and stay on camera for the full session.

Simply select the class date and format (in-person or virtual) from our registration list and complete the online form. Payment is required at the time of registration by credit card.

Once you register, you’ll receive:

• A confirmation email

• Instructions on where to attend (for in-person) or how to join the session (for virtual)

• A reminder of what to bring or prepare for class

The parenting class costs $50.00. This one-time fee covers all materials and sessions. Financial assistance may be available for families who qualify—please contact us for more information.

Yes! You will receive a certificate of completion via email approximately 3 business days after the class. If you provide us with your court case number, we will also electronically file your certificate with the court on your behalf.

Please call us at (904) 346-5100 or visit hope-haven.org — we’re happy to help!