FOCUS

The FOCUS program is a court ordered parent education program specifically for adults appearing before the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for custody and visitation issues.  The program consists of two sessions covering positive communication, the effects of conflict on children, child development, etc.  The goal is to provide the parents with information that will help them to develop a mutally acceptable parenting plan.  The FOCUS program is offered free of charge.

Listings of Parent Education classes for other courts or in divorce cases are available here.

Listings of parenting programs that are not custody and visitation related are available here or by calling 703-820-9001.

Mediation

Mediation is offered by the Court Service Unit through an Order of Referral by the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in custody and visitation cases.  Referral to mediation requires both parties' agreement to participate.  Mediators are certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  A mediator acts as a neutral third party to facilitate conversation between parents so that they may arrive at a mutually acceptable parenting plan for their child.  Mediation is offered free of charge.

Private mediators will mediate a variety of case types including child support and divorce and can be found here.

Home Studies

Home study investigations are conducted by the Court Service Unit only when ordered by the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in custody and visitation cases.