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PESC to Provide Parent Education Stabilization Courses for Special Needs Families Mandated by FL DCF
MIAMI - Nov. 8, 2023 - PRLog -- Miami, FL – PESC, a non-profit organization committed to providing educational resources to families with special needs children facing divorce, is pleased to announce the launch of its new suite of parent education and family stabilization courses. The organization's mission is to empower these families with the knowledge and support required to ensure a smoother transition and a brighter future for their children. The creation of these courses was a primary objective of the recently passed House Bill 1075.
The passing of the Bill and the development of the courses underscore the Florida State Legislature's enduring commitment to families with special needs. "It's not just about laws but providing tangible resources to ensure every child feels embraced and understood," said Raquel Soto-Catalano, Co-Founder and Director of PESC.
In Florida, in any divorce or paternity cases involving minor children or matters related to parental responsibility, the completion of a parent education and family stabilization course, by both parents, is now mandatory before the court issues a final judgment.
For parents navigating a divorce or separation with the added complexity of raising children with special needs or emotional concerns, PESC now offers unique and tailored resources to address the often perplexing and difficult questions that arise. The primary aim of these courses is to equip divorcing parents with the knowledge, training, and assistance needed to be even more resilient and self-assured parents. The course focuses on the impact of divorce on both parents and their children, covering child custody, care arrangements, time-sharing, financial responsibilities, family dynamics, as well as issues related to abuse and neglect.
"Watching these initiatives come to life, from the legislation to the creation of supportive platforms, is profoundly fulfilling. With PESC and the DCF-approved course, we are witnessing the manifestation of our dedication to Florida's families," said Soto-Catalano.
Soto-Catalano, whose daughter Ava was the inspiration behind PESC, drove the creation of the Bill not only for her family but also for those children and families in Florida struggling with the same challenges.
Access the PESC course (https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-...) on the Florida DCF website and to learn more about the Bill, visit: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/1075/ByCategory
Florida Legislature Advances Protection for Children with Special Needs
The Florida Legislature is making commendable strides in the realm of family law, especially concerning children with special needs. Bill CS/CS/DB 1532, backed by State Senator Lauren Book, is soon to provide an essential educational program for parents undergoing divorce or separation with children who exhibit special needs or emotional challenges. Effective from October 1, 2021, this program will present information specifically designed for children with unique requirements.
This noteworthy progression was brought to light by a concerned mother, Raquel Catalano, who faced difficulties during her own divorce proceedings. Recognizing a significant gap in the system regarding her daughter with special needs, she relentlessly advocated for a change. Her fervor led her to the local legislative body, resulting in the inception and subsequent passage of the bill.
Previously, while parents in Florida undergoing a divorce had to complete a parenting class, there was no tailored class addressing the unique challenges of children with special needs. With the new bill, this oversight is corrected, ensuring that children with special requirements are not overlooked.
Patricia Elizee, a managing partner at Elizee Law Firm and an active member of several Bar associations, praises this move. Expressing her enthusiasm, she emphasizes the role of lawyers and judges in being adequately trained to handle cases involving children with special needs.
In championing the rights and welfare of children, Florida has taken a positive step forward, showing that the "best interest of the child" remains paramount.
https://kidsidemiami.org/parent-education-stabilization-course/
Parent Education: Transforming Love into Nurturing Skills
Raquel Soto-Catalano, through her poignant story, draws our attention to an often overlooked aspect of divorce – the need for comprehensive co-parenting education, especially for children with special needs. Love, as she rightly states, is instinctual, but nurturing skills, particularly in complex situations, require guidance and education.
Facing the abrupt end of a 22-year marriage, Raquel felt the weight of protecting her children, especially with their unique emotional and physical needs. The discovery that Florida’s mandated parenting classes lacked focus on children with special needs was alarming. It's not about questioning a parent’s love; it’s about equipping them to channel that love effectively, particularly during distressing times.
Raquel’s resilience led her to advocate for a change, resulting in the introduction of HB 1075, later amended to SB 1532. This bill, focusing on the specialized parenting education for children with unique needs, was passed on June 16, 2021. With her team, Raquel initiated PESC, an online platform offering specialized courses for co-parenting children with learning differences and special needs.
Emphasizing education with empathy, the PESC curriculum, approved by the Department of Children and Families in 2022, blends AI, adult learning theories, and research practices to cater to diverse learning needs. Recognizing that empathy can be cultivated, the course pivots on the belief that with proper education, caregivers can be empowered to better support their children.
In a world where parents are expected to inherently "know" how to handle every challenge, initiatives like PESC underline the importance of continuous learning in parenting. Visit www.pescfamilies.org for more insights.
FL DCF-Special Needs and Emotional Concerns Parenting Course
The following providers are approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families to offer online Parent Education and Family Stabilization courses in the State of Florida. The course is a minimum of 4 hours and designed to educate, train, and assist divorcing parents in regards to the impact of divorce on parents and children, as required by Chapter 61.21, F.S.
Agility Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course for Families of Children with Disabilities
Online Correspondence Course: http://education.pescfamilies.org/courses/agility-course
Queries: info@pescfamilies.org
Indigent Status: Accepted
Provided by: Parent Education Stabilization Course Corp 501c3
Website: www.pescfamilies.org