ABOUT THE PROCESS/ABOUT PSPC
OUR PROCESS
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First, let's talk about Parent Coordination versus Parent Coaching. They are very similar. Parent Coordination (or Case Management) usually stems from a history of high conflict. Appointment of a parent coordinator is agreed to by the parents in the parenting plan, and a Parent Coordinator may have the responsibility to interpret the parenting plan, make minor decisions when disagreements over parenting plan provisions arise, and create communications protocols for the parents as they learn communication skills. While the Parent Coordinator may make certain decisions, the goal is to seek mutual agreement first. All decisions by the Parent Coordinator may be reviewed by the court.
Parent Coaching is a voluntary process that also provides the co-parents with a neutral third party to help untangle disputes, set up successful communications protocols if needed, and interpret or look at changes to the parenting plan, that may benefit the family.* Parent Coaching works with parent initiated issues. A Parent Coach may serve as an ongoing aide to help parents navigate co-parenting as their children grow and lives change.
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What is involved. . .
First, if you and your co-parent are interested in our services, please contact us to learn more. You can call or email. If you choose to go forward, we will ask that you fill out questionnaires regarding your relationship, children, and where you are currently; and provide your current parenting plan for our review before your first meeting. If parents request, or in high conflict situations, we will review documents from prior litigation.
Second, Your PC ('Parenting Coach' or 'Parenting Coordinator') will meet with both of you together, to see how you interact, discuss what you want to work on, and learn where you think you could use help. If you have agreed to Parent Coordination in your parenting plan ('PP'), your PC will review your PP to understand the scope of the PC role and will talk with your about what that entails.
Third, we start working on your goals. If communication is a problem, we do training in that area and act as a neutral mediator. If we need more information to solve a problem, we look at getting it. We might reverse roles, question each of you on what is behind your requests or viewpoints - what you hope for and what you are worried about. We look closely at what's not working and we form a plan to attack the problems, step by step. This occurs first in person, over a few sessions, and later in person or on calls or via video chat if preferred. NOTE: All meeting are now via phone and video chat, for everyone's safety and peace of mind.
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*Any parenting plan changes worked out in coaching are then taken to counsel to be finalized.
ABOUT PSPC
I'm Kim Burroughs, founder of Puget Sound Parent Coordinators ('PSPC'). I have been a member of the Washington State Bar Association since 1991, with extensive experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. I moved into Parent Coordination and coaching work as a way to foster post-divorce parent relations. I combine an understanding of legal issues and procedures, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, as well as training in effective communication processes, child development research, and strategies for two parent households.
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My goals as either a PC or a Coach:
To work myself out of a job. I do this by helping parents create communications protocols which allow them to be as independently successful at dispute resolution as possible, and build boundaries that give parents the safety and space to communicate.
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To understand your co-parent dynamics and how we can shape them for everyone's benefit. We all get into patterns of behavior and thinking that can keep us stuck. It's hard to see this in when you're in the middle of things, but a fresh perspective can help move the needle.
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To keep your children front and center as we make decisions, and to bring in best practices on what helps kids thrive. To do this, I participate in mentoring groups and training through the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, which specializes in providing research applicable to kids in post divorce families.
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To request a fact sheet on Parent Coordination, Parent Coaching and my training.
