Home Page

The COPE program is designed to assist separated parents in developing the skills and attitudes needed to adjust to a challenging and/or a high conflict co-parenting relationship.  Through goal setting and writing activities, the curriculum will help parents identify and overcome barriers to happiness, effective parenting, and conflict resolution. You will not be in the same group with your child's other parent. 

Educational goals are to:

• help parents reduce conflict with one another,
• educate parents about the damaging effects their conflict has on their children,
• help parents learn new ways to communicate and problem solve,
• make sure both parents remain active participants in parenting your children, and
• understand and be accountable under the law.

COPE is a fully self supporting Program.  We are not government sponsored in any way shape or form.  The classes are taught by professionals with years of experience in helping parents deal with high conflict divorce and custody issues.

The total cost of the program ranges from $170.00 to $450.00 depending on income. Parents pay a NON-REFUNDABLE $50.00 enrollment fee PLUS a sliding scale fee from $15.00 to $50.00 for each 2 hour class.

To see our sliding fee scale, click on the fee and payment page above.

Classes are composed of a small group of parents. Classes are scheduled during morning, evening and weekend times. Participants will be admitted to the group on the day and time of their choice on a first come, first served basis.

The COPE class is a 16 hour class and meets for 2 hours during a period of eight consecutive weeks. Scheduling depends upon enrollment of each group.

You will not attend the same group as your child’s other parent. Both parents do not have to attend a COPE class for there to be a benefit to your family, however if both parents want, or are required, to attend they will be assigned to different groups.

COPE Classes are approved by the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Parents can attend voluntarily, or can be ordered by the court to attend.

COPE classes are held in various therapeutic office environments around Santa Barbara County and begin on various dates throughout the year. Timing of groups depends upon number of parents enrolled to attend the class.The exact location and specific date and time of your group will be disclosed once you have enrolled, provided proof of income, paid the administration fee, and have been assigned to a group which has been scheduled to begin.