Texas Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course

Texas Family Code – FAM § 105.009. Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course

• In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, including an action to modify an order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship providing for possession of or access to a child, the court may order the parties to the suit to attend a parent education and family stabilization course if the court determines that the order is in the best interest of the child.
• The parties to the suit may not be required to attend the course together. The court, on its own motion or the motion of either party, may prohibit the parties from taking the course together if there is a history of family violence in the marriage.
• A course under this section must be at least four hours, but not more than 12 hours, in length and be designed to educate and assist parents with regard to the consequences of divorce on parents and children.  The course must include information on the following issues:
1. the emotional effects of divorce on parents;
2. the emotional and behavioral reactions to divorce by young children and adolescents;
3. parenting issues relating to the concerns and needs of children at different development stages;
4. stress indicators in young children and adolescents;
5. conflict management;
6. family stabilization through development of a coparenting relationship;
7. the financial responsibilities of parenting;
8. family violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse and neglect; and
9. the availability of community services and resources.

• A course may not be designed to provide individual mental health therapy or individual legal advice.
• A course satisfies the requirements of this section if it is offered by:
1. a mental health professional who has at least a master's degree with a background in family therapy or parent education; or
2. a religious practitioner who performs counseling consistent with the laws of this state or another person designated as a program counselor by a church or religious institution if the litigant so chooses.

• Information obtained in a course or a statement made by a participant to a suit during a course may not be considered in the adjudication of the suit or in any subsequent legal proceeding.  Any report that results from participation in the course may not become a record in the suit unless the parties stipulate to the record in writing.