Effective May 15th, 2024, Multnomah County’s New Ways for Families program will be temporarily paused. A revised program will be introduced at a later date. For information concerning New Ways for Families, please refer to High Conflict Institute’s official website. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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New Ways for Families is a method of teaching parents simple practical skills.
These skills help parents:
- Manage conflict
- Negotiate decisions
- Promote respectful communication
- Encourage themselves in times of stress
- Co-parent more effectively
The program is designed to be simple and repetitive, so that almost all parents can learn these skills and apply them in their lives when dealing with each other and with their children and with anyone.
For more information or to sign up call Family Resolution Services at 503-988-3189.
Resources
- DocumentMaking Proposals (379.76 KB)
- DocumentHow to Write a BIFF Response (215.55 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Ways for Families?
A method of teaching parents skills to manage conflicts, negotiate decisions, promote respectful communication, encourage themselves in times of stress and co-parent more effectively.
What is coaching?
Coaches teach and practice skills covered in the online program using a non-judgmental, no blame, no shame approach.
Are there any prerequisites to signing up? If there is an open family law case, parents must have completed the Family Resolution Services Parent Education Class “Helping Your Children Cope with Family Change” prior to engaging in the Coaching program.
What are the benefits?
Parents will increase skills to effectively resolve co-parenting disagreements while remaining calm and protecting children from conflict. This can lead to reduced future court involvement.
What is the cost?
The online program costs $51 (includes processing fee) paid directly to New Ways for Families. For clients who meet low income guidelines, the fee is $23.99. There is no charge for coaching sessions.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program has two parts. The online program consists of 12 lessons. In addition to the online lessons, there is an orientation and 4 individual coaching sessions (after lessons 1, 4, 8, and 12). The goal is to complete the program in 3 months.
What can parents expect at the first appointment?
Once a parent calls to register, a coach will contact them to explain the program, set up a schedule for coaching appointments, and answer any questions.
How do I sign up?
Call Family Resolution Services at 503-988-3189.
Is my participation confidential?
Coaching sessions are intended to be confidential. There are exceptions to confidentiality which will be discussed at the orientation appointment.
What if there is a court order that does not allow the parents to have contact?
There is no co-parent contact, as all sessions are done individually.
Is it possible to mediate while participating in coaching?
Yes. In fact, skills learned in coaching may benefit the mediation process.
Are there any follow-up sessions?
Each parent has the option of two follow-up coaching sessions following completion of the program.
How long do I have access to the website?
Once a parent purchases the online training they have ongoing access to the content.
Is the program offered in other languages?
At this time, the course is available in English and is being developed in Spanish.
Who are the coaches?
Coaches are qualified Family Resolution Services staff who have completed the New Ways for Family training program. If you have previously received mediation services, your mediator will not be your coach.
How many families will the program serve?
We anticipate serving up to 100 families a year.