Parents Beyond Conflict
What People Are Saying About the Book...
"This book could save you a bundle...enough to send your kids to Harvard."
Dr. Elizabeth Roberts, Child Psychiatrist
"A New Way to Win provides an outstanding resource to parents."
John Hartson, PhD, author of Creating Effective Parenting Plans.About Our Programs...
About Our Programs...
"Your program really helped us."Mom, Pasadena, CA "I wish I would have attended this class 2 years ago. So much sufferingcould have been avoided."
Dad, Laguna Beach, CA
"...it was hard to attend and see his "Ex". Just seeing her made me me want to explode. But being in the same room and learning the same stratagies, seemed to make all the difference."
Step-mom, Burbank, CA
Quick Facts:
Family Court Accepted: Yes
DCFS/CPS Version: Yes
Length: Family Law Version - 10 one-hour sessions
DCFS/CPS Version - 14 one-hour sessions - this program includes a session with both coparents (optional)
Instructor: Tobias Desjardins, LCSW
Format: combination of self-paced online work and 1 on 1 consultation with Tobias Desjardins, LCSW
Areas served: Southern California
Book Provided: A New Way to Win
Cost: Family Court Version - $425 - Sale Price $325*
DCFS/CPS Version - $625
* Space at the sale price is limited to the first 15 people who register for each class.
Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the DCFS/CPS version of the program?
This 14-hour program is designed specifically for DCFS/CPS involved parents who are experiencing high conflict in their coparenting relationship. Working 1-on -1 with Tobias Desjardins, LCSW, this 4-step program starts with a detailed assessment of the custody situation. The student is then assigned a curriculum of readings, videos, and worksheets tailored to address the specific needs of the case. This second step of the course is completed at home - and is self-paced. When complete, the student meets with Mr. Desjardins for the third step - a review of the course materials and the development of a best-practice coparenting action plan. The final step involves either:
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a follow up consult to review progress made implementing the best practice tools learned in the course
or
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a conjoint session that both co-parents attend focused on how implement best-practice coparenting strategies
The student has the option of inviting their new partner to attend the course with them (with DCFS/CPS permission). There is no charge for a new partner to attend - and the person will receive a certificate of completion.
The program also includes a detailed invoice for the DCFS/CPS Billing Dept, a W9, social worker access to the instructor for updates, and a written report that summarizes the client's participation (will be provided within 2 business days of course completion).
How much is the DCFS/CPS version of the program?
$625
The family court ordered me to do more than 10 hours. Can I do a 12, 14 or 16 hour version of your program?
Yes. Each additional hour is $25. You will attend the 10 hour class and then create a plan for completing the additional hours with Tobias Desjardins. To get signed up, register for the 10 hour program online - then you will pay the balance when you arrive at the workshop.
How do I know what I should sign up for?
Usually the court provides a written order that spells out exactly what you need to sign up for. If you are confused, ask your lawyer, mediator, or judge for help.
What does the LA Family Court typically require?
The most common order is for parents to complete an in-person program that is a minimum of 10 hours.
What is Co-Parenting?
The term “co-parenting” describes an arrangement in a divorce or separation where both parents share responsibility for raising their child in a spirit that promotes healing, cooperation and growth.
How does this program work?
Once you register we will send you the course materials for you to complete at home - at your own pace. The last hour of the course involves a consult with Tobias Desjardins by phone or video call. The purpose of the consult is to help you generate a best practice coparenting action plan for reducing the conflict and keeping the kids out of the crossfire.
When do I get my certificate?
We will email it to you right after your complete the course.
What will I learn?
Our program focuses on the following:• The stages of divorce or separation• How to build a successful co parenting plan• Co-parenting styles• Effectively managing co-parenting conflict• Developmental stages of childhood/adolescence• How to discuss sensitive topics with your children• Negotiating with a difficult Ex• Strategies for reducing co-parenting stress Co-parenting as a team• Understanding step-family dynamics• Avoiding the most common co-parenting mistakes.
Do both parents have to attend together?
Check your court order to see you have to. If not, it's up to you. However, the research suggests that families benefit more when both parents attend. So...we strongly recommend it.
We're supposed to attend together but my Ex is not returning my calls, refusing, or wants to attend a different class. What do you suggest?
Write your Ex a brief and friendly letter explaining that you have researched the Court-approved programs and you recommend that you both attend our class. Include a specific date by which you would like your Ex to get back to you confirming that she/he agrees with your plan. Send it by email and regular mail (with a return receipt that requires your Ex to sign that the letter was received). Keep the letter and the receipt in your Court papers. This high road approach will accomplish two important goals: (1) it will give your Ex formal notice that you are taking the Court’ order seriously; (2) it will demonstrate to the Court that you are proactively taking steps to resolve your custody dispute in a high road manner.
Can I bring my new partner?
Yes. Fighting with an Ex can really strain a new relationship. In fact, up to 75% of second and third marriages end in divorce. To help you avoid that, we encourage you to attend with your new partner and learn how to bring an end to the custody battle - as a team. Cost: $50 - they get a certificate too! Want us to invite your Ex?
Who is the Instructor?
Tobias Desjardins, LCSW, is a mediator, shared-custody educator, and a therapist who specializes in separation and divorce. Tobias is the Founder of the non-profit International Center for Peaceful Shared Custody, and Director of Prevention Network, a provider of co-parenting education programs throughout Southern California. Tobias is also the author of A New Way to Win: How To Resolve Your Child Custody Dispute Without Giving Up, Giving In, or Going Broke.
Explain your 30 Day Money Back Guarantee?
If you complete our class and it is not accepted by the Family Law Court - we will refund your money –(less a $15 processing fee). To be eligible for a refund you will need to submit a request in writing within 30 days of completing our program. The request must include: (1) a copy of the order requiring that you complete a co-parenting program; (2) proof in writing from the Family Law Court explaining why our program was not accepted. I have other questions...…
Refund Policy
Requests for refunds or changes to a registration fee must be received no later than ten (10) calendar days before the start of a face to face event and five (5) business days before the start of an online event. A $50 processing fee will be deducted from the amount to be refunded. Registration fees are nontransferable.