ABOUT THE CHILD IMPACT PROGRAM
The Child Impact Program is a 4-hour, court-ordered seminar designed to help parents understand the impact that divorce, separation and custody issues have on children. CIP classes provide parents with strategies, suggestions and tools they can use to help their children cope with the stress and confusion they experience when families are dealing with divorce, separation, and parental rights and responsibilities issues.
All parents involved in a divorce, or legal actions involving parental rights and responsibilities and child support, who have children under the age of 18, are required by law to complete the CIP seminar within 45 days of the date the respondent was served with the petition. Failure to attend will result in court-ordered sanctions which can include fines and/or being held in contempt and sentenced to jail.
In New Hampshire, parents in divorce or parenting actions involving children under the age of 18 will attend a ‘First Appearance Session’ soon after their case is filed at a family division court. Information about the court process and the important role of parents in this process is presented at the First Appearance Session. At the end of the session, parents schedule the next event in their case – either a case manager conference, mediation, or a court hearing. Attendance by parents at the First Appearance session is required, unless specifically excused by the court. Please click here to watch a video that explains what a First Appearance Session looks like, and where the Child Impact Program fits in the court process.
SOURCES:
https://www.nhcbha.org/cf/childrenfirst.cfm
https://www.courts.state.nh.us/forms/nhjb-2068-f.pdf
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xliii/458-D/458-D-mrg.htm
PROGRAM COST
The cost for the entire 4-hour class is $85 per person. Classes are filled on a first-come/first-served basis, subject to availability, and are limited to 20 participants. If you register for a class but do not attend, your class fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Once your Child Impact Program registration is accepted/approved, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to pay for your class online.
In certain specific circumstances, a reduced or waived fee option may be available. To learn more about obtaining a needs-based fee reduction or waiver for the CIP seminar, or for more information or assistance, please call (603) 516-9624.