Parent Orientation

Rule 5.210 of the California Rules of Court requires that the Court provide an orientation to inform the parents about the mediation process, the role of the mediator, how to address the developmental needs of children, limitations on confidentiality and other child custody issues. The Calaveras Superior Court complies with this requirement by offering a parent orientation class that may be taken on-line or attended in person.

Setting appointments

When a party files an Order to Show Cause (OSC), or Notice of Motion (NOM), they will be asked to do three things. The first is to attend parent orientation, the second is to attend mediation and the third is to attend the Court hearing. The clerks will give the parties appointment dates for mediation sessions and the court hearing. The parties complete parent orientation either on-line or by attending class.

What is Parent Orientation?

Parent Orientation is a program designed to teach parents about children's developmental stages and how they impact parenting plans. Time is also spent discussing conflict resolution, effective methods to "co-parent", and Calaveras Superior Court's model for mediation and evaluation.

Orientation is held on-line or in the Office of the Family Court Services Director at the courthouse and lasts for about 1 hour. If you choose to attend class in person you must call 209-754-6832 to register as space is limited. Both parties should attend or complete the on-line class prior to participation in mediation. There is no fee for this class. In- person orientation classes are held every Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. It is very important that you make every effort to complete this class.

If you choose to complete parent orientation on-line visit our website www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov and click on “Family Court Services” then click on “Mediation Orientation Program On-Line Course”. Follow the directions to navigate through the program.

Do children attend orientation?

Children should not attend orientation. This class is for the parents only.

What if I can't complete the parent orientation class?

If this occurs, it is important that you still appear at your mediation date, and at your Court hearing. However, you should be prepared to provide an explanation to the judge why you did not complete the parent orientation.