Consulting
A Parenting Consultant is a court-appointed position established to provide three distinct services in the family decision making process: coaching, negotiation and arbitration.
Parents are the most informed individuals to make decisions about their children and whenever possible they will be assisted in making those decisions. However, when there is an impasse, the Consultant is charged with creating and providing a resolution through an informed decision-making process.
The Parenting Consultant will initially meet with both parties together, safety permitting, and will establish an understanding of the purpose, role and process of consulting and review any relevant court orders.
Subsequent meetings may be held with both parents together, each parent individually, additional significant others, and occasionally the involved children.
Note that a Court Order appointing the requested Parenting Consultant is required to begin services.
Currently all consulting sessions are being held virtually.
Rule 114 Neutral
A Parenting Consultant (PC) is a Qualified Neutral under the MN Revisor Rule 114 for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
While the Consultant is appointed to a family, both parties must be in agreement to utilize a Parenting Consultant as part of their ADR process.
Information on Rule 114 can be found by clicking here: Rule 114
Learn more about Parenting Consulting and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) here: MediationCenterMN
Confidentiality
Parenting Consulting is not therapy and therefore is not covered by the HIPAA data privacy rules protecting records and conversations. In the Parenting Consultant role Carrie will not be providing clinical services during the court-ordered appointment. However, as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), she is considered a mandated reporter under MN Revisor Statute Sec. 626.556 and would be obligated to report any information indicating abuse or neglect of a minor child or a vulnerable adult; or any direct threats of harm to ones self or others.