Family Law · Child Custody
Allegheny County Generations Program: Parenting Classes Required in Custody Cases
Parents involved in custody disputes in Allegheny County are often surprised to learn that the court may require them to attend a parenting education program called Generations. The program is designed to help parents understand how conflict between adults can affect children and how separated parents can communicate and cooperate more effectively.
The Generations program does not decide custody and it does not determine which parent wins a case. Instead, it is a court-supported educational program intended to reduce conflict and help parents focus on the child’s well-being during and after the custody process.
At Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A., we represent parents in custody matters throughout Allegheny County. Many clients encounter the Generations program early in their custody case, and understanding its purpose and requirements helps avoid unnecessary delays in the litigation process.
Many Allegheny County custody cases require both parents to complete the Generations parenting program.
If you have received notice requiring attendance or have questions about custody procedures, call 412-351-4422 or schedule a consultation before your conference or hearing date.
What the Generations Program Is
The Generations program is a parenting education course used by the Allegheny County Family Division in many custody cases. The program focuses on the effects of parental conflict on children and provides guidance on communication, co-parenting, and decision-making after separation.
The goal is not to assign blame or determine custody outcomes. Instead, the program encourages parents to understand how their behavior affects their children and how they can reduce conflict during the litigation process.
When Courts Require the Program
In many custody disputes, especially contested cases, the court may require both parents to complete the Generations program early in the process. This requirement is often included in scheduling orders issued after the custody complaint is filed.
Parents who fail to complete the program when required may experience delays in their case or may be directed by the court to complete the program before further proceedings occur. A parent who refuses to attend or claims the requirement does not apply to them risks being viewed as non-compliant with a court directive — which can reflect poorly on their position in the case.
What Parents Learn in the Program
The course generally focuses on helping parents understand the emotional impact that separation and conflict can have on children. It addresses issues such as communication between parents, managing disagreements, and supporting children during transitions between households.
Parents may also receive guidance on maintaining routines, minimizing conflict during custody exchanges, and keeping children out of adult disputes.
How the Program Works
The Generations program typically involves a scheduled class session that both parents must attend separately. The class may be conducted in person or online depending on the program format and court requirements at the time.
After completing the course, parents usually receive confirmation of attendance. That confirmation may be filed with the court or provided as proof of compliance with the court’s order.
What the Program Does Not Do
The Generations program does not determine custody and does not replace the court’s evaluation of the statutory custody factors. Judges still decide custody based on the best interests of the child and the evidence presented in the case.
Completing the program as required demonstrates compliance with court directives and helps avoid unnecessary procedural delays. It does not, by itself, strengthen or weaken either parent’s custody position.
How the Program Fits Into the Custody Process
The Generations requirement often appears alongside other early steps in custody litigation, such as the Allegheny County custody conference. These early procedures are designed to encourage resolution and help parents understand the issues involved before a case proceeds to a full custody hearing.
If the parents are unable to resolve their dispute through conferences or negotiation, the court ultimately decides custody based on the statutory factors discussed in Pennsylvania custody law.
This article relates to our work in Child Custody and Support and Family Law and Divorce. For the statutory factors courts consider, see child custody factors Pennsylvania courts consider. For custody procedures, see Allegheny County custody conference.