Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course

The Parenting after Separation (PAS) e-Course is offered by Alberta Resolution Services for parents and guardians who are separating or divorcing. The course can be accessed here by creating a login with your email address.

The purpose of the course is to help you understand the legal process of separation or divorce, the way your children are likely to feel and behave, and what you need to know so you can make positive choices about how you will continue to parent your children. The course explains how you can stay focused on what your children need even when it is difficult to do so.

The course is easy to understand and is divided into the following four (4) sections with their stated learning objectives:

Section 1: Relationship Building Blocks

• Identify factors that influence your child(ren)’s likelihood of coping well after separation/divorce.
• Describe characteristics of healthy parenting and co-parenting.
• Recognize that conflict between parents creates toxic stress for a child.
• Identify Do’s and Don’ts for separating or divorced parents.
• Evaluate your co-parenting relationship for signs of high conflict or abuse.

Section 2: Children Can Cope with Separation and Divorce

• Identify common feelings experienced by children in the separation/divorce process.
• Identify predominant temperament traits of your child(ren).
• Describe reactions that can be expected based on your child(ren)’s age.
• Describe ways to promote positive coping, based on your child(ren)’s age.
• Identify ways to use transitions between homes for your child(ren).

Section 3: Learning Your Way Around the Legal System

• Identify the three legal decisions that need to be made.
• Be aware that the legal system is complex and does not follow the same path for each family.
• Understand where and when to get assistance with your individual situation.
• Identify dispute resolution choices that can reduce time spent in court.

Section 4: Parenting Plans That Work for Your Family

• Recognize that Parenting Plans are arrived at through a negotiation process involving both parents.
• Recognize that it is easier for children when their parents agree.
• Recognize that Parenting Plans will need to be updated over time.
• Describe guidelines for working collaboratively to develop a Parenting Plan.

Parenting After Separation (PAS) Parent’s Guide can be found here.

If you think you may be in a high conflict parenting situation, you may also want to consider taking a three-hour course offered by Alberta Family Justice Services, which emphasizes the need for parents to work together to raise their children after separation without high levels of conflict, as this will always negatively affect children.