Parenting Classes and costs

[KatKat10]

Has anyone had any experience of parenting classes and costs? Can Social services refuse to pick up cost of these classes, if so what justification can they give. If they refuse to cover the costs, would this look bad in court? Would a judge or magistrate question why there is a refusal to fund these types of classes if it would benefit a parent in getting help and support?

Thank you
KK10

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear KatKat10,

Most children's classes offered by your local children's centre will be free, however if the local authority would like you to attend a specific parenting course that costs money, then it is reasonable to expect them to pay for this. This is particularly true if the case is likely to progress to court, and funding the course would support the family in preventing this.

Best wishes,

Suzie.

[KatKat10]

Thank you Suzie for your reply. I have sourced a local provider for parenting classes and pending on response of the LA if they will support the funding costs. I had asked earlier this year for a referral for parenting classes from the SW but this never materialized, so decided to self-refer.
KK10