Court offers Divorce Education for Children..

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Nearly 12,000 Utah children are impacted by divorce each year, including more than 5,000 children in Salt Lake County.

To address the needs of these children, the Utah State Courts offers a free Divorce Education for Children class twice each month. Classes take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, and Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Upcoming classes will be held on Oct. 7 and 26, Nov. 16 and 25, and Dec. 16.

The Divorce Education for Children class is for children 9- to 12-years-old whose parents have filed for divorce or whose parents are divorced. The class takes place at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse at 450 South State Street. Advance registration is required by calling (801) 578-3897 or e-mail sabrinap@utcourts.gov. There is no charge to attend the class.

The program's curriculum provides children with skills they can use to better communicate their feelings to parents. A mental health professional teaches the class with the assistance of a state court commissioner. Participation in the children's class is voluntary.

For more information, go to www.utcourts.gov and search for divorce education for children classes.

Court offers Divorce Education for Children classes