Florida Mother Needs Parenting Class

NSB Mother Charged with Neglect after 2-year-old Climbs onto Roof

Originally published on www.news-journalonline.com
By Mark I. Johnson on October 11, 2012

A New Smyrna Beach mother was arrested on a charge of child neglect after a neighbor saw her 2-year-old daughter walking on the roof of her two-story house and called authorities.

A Volusia County sheriff's sergeant responded to the Van Kleeck Drive home shortly before 10 a.m. and saw a small dog on the roof and the youngster standing on an adjacent deck dressed only in a pair of underwear, the report said.

The sergeant watched as the youngster tried to crawl through a "makeshift" wire barrier that surrounded the deck and onto the roof, the report said.

The report said the sergeant announced his presence and made several attempts to contact anyone in the house for 15 minutes before the child's mother, Erica Hess, 24, came out onto the deck and picked up the child.

When questioned, the report said, Hess told a deputy she didn't know the youngster was on the roof. She claimed the little girl had been sitting on a bed in the next room as Hess moved a dresser in the bathroom.

The report indicated Hess initially said she had an unobstructed view of the child the entire time, but she changed her story, saying she closed the door while she used the bathroom. Hess told the deputy she was in the bathroom less than five minutes and when she emerged Hess said she saw the sergeant in her backyard and her daughter on the deck with the dog.

Despite the neighbor telling deputies he went to the front door of the home and tried to contact someone inside before calling the Sheriff's Office, the report said Hess claimed she did not believe anyone tried to contact her. She also told the investigating deputy that her daughter was capable of crawling through the deck barrier and "had followed the dog onto the roof," the report said.

The report said the little girl had several small scratches on her stomach and legs.

Hess was arrested on a charge of child neglect and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. She was released on her own recognizance after first appearance Wednesday, a jail official said, and could not be reached Thursday.

The youngster's grandmother came to the residence to take responsibility of the child.

Florida Approved Online Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course: $34.95

Florida Class for Divorcing Parents and Child Custody

Avoid Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Florida Parenting Class for Child Custody

© 2012 Thomas Wilson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 

Many Florida courts require divorcing parents to attend a parent education class to help resolve custody conflicts before granting a divorce involving minor children. A class might also be required to modify an existing court order.

This class is called the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, which  is a 4-hour parent education class for divorcing and separated parents. Certain Florida county courts allow parents to complete this course online. 

This class is typically very affordable, convenient, confidential, secure, and court-approved. Providers usually provide you with a certificate of completion at no additional charge which can be downloaded and printed at home after course completion. Most providers offer phone and email support.

However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. 

Parenting classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   

Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 

Normally these classes are called parent education classes or parent education and family stabilization courses.  Remember that a parenting class is different than an anger management class or psychological counseling.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 

Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 

An approved course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 

Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 

Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or offer technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by approved parent education programs.