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

IThe fee varies depending on whether you choose in-person or virtual attendance. Please refer to the registration page for current pricing.

Yes! At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion that can be submitted to the court.

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