Divorce & Parenting Resources

Kids First

Kids First is DeKalb County’s court-approved parenting education program for separating parents in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 924.

This four-hour evening course assists parents with understanding how to lessen the negative impact of divorce/separation on their children. This information is also presented to assist parents in adjusting to this major change in their own lives.

Family Service Agency offers Kids First twice a month, advanced registration is required and the schedule is subject to change. Parents must attend different sessions. Children are not permitted.

Schedule & Information

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation allows separating parents to make necessary decisions together, with the assistance of a neutral party: a mediator. As a form of dispute resolution, mediation is typically a component of a joint-parenting agreement.

Instead of focusing on the past and creating conflict, mediation helps parents to focus on present concerns, such as their child's needs. Together through guided cooperation, parents can discuss and determine the outcome of various co-parenting issues, including custody or time-sharing.

Dan Klein is a well-known and highly regarded Mediator and Social Worker at Family Service Agency. He is recognized for his expertise in conflict resolution and his commitment to supporting individuals and families in navigating challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.

DeKalb County Mediators

Active Parenting

Now available in Spanish!

Active Parenting is a free educational program for parents seeking to expand their knowledge on effective discipline techniques, communication, child development, and more!

Active Parenting First Five Years: Focused on building a strong bond, your child's growing brain, effective discipline young children can understand, and how to prepare for school success.

Active Parenting 6 to 12: Focused on non-violent discipline, communication, diffusing power struggles, stimulating independence, and teaching important character traits.

Active Parenting of Teens: Focused on methods of discipline, skills for communication, preventing risky behavior, and how to be an encouraging parent.

SCHEDULE & INFORMATION

Meet the Providers

Dan has worked with Family Service Agency for nearly 40 years as a clinician, facilitator, and a Mediator. He is a goal-centered clinician focusing on adult, family, and couple counseling. He provides divorce mediation and Kids First. Dan has a Master’s Degree in Health Education from Adelphi University, a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University, and a Doctoral Degree in Health Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He has taught death education, human sexuality, and mental and emotional health courses at State University College Plattsburgh, Aurora University School of Social Work, and Northern Illinois University.

For additional information or to register, please call 815-758-8616.

Inquiry Form