Parent Coordinator

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A Parent Coordinator is a "mediator" type individual who assists divorced parents in high conflict divorces.

Parent Coordination (www.cooperativeparenting.com) created by two counselors Susan Boyan and Ann Marie Tarminie is the idea that a divorced couple can continue to work together using a Parent Coordinator as an impartial “mediator” (but don’t call them mediators) to work in the best interest of the children. Parents in high conflict divorces are often referred via court order to participate in such sessions. Parent Coordinators often then make recommendations to the courts.

In many States Parent Coordinators are not bound by any laws and there is no oversight over the profession. Concern arises when a Parent Coordinator is alleged to have acted unethical - with no check and balances the parties involved are left in a vulnerable state.

Robin Brown Walton www.robinbwalton.com]), a Parent Coordinator primarily based in Bexar County/ San Antonio, TX continues to practice even though many have brought forward their concerns to Judges and the State Board of Counselors and Examiners. Sources have reported that Robin Walton often is bias and has gone as far as manipulating the judicial process. Information obtained via and open records request reveals Robin Walton has the highest number of complaints in Texas.

The Texas Legislature tackled the issue of Parent Coordinators by barring Parent Coordinators from testifying in court. The Parent Coordinating Act, although stipulates that victims of domestic violence are not required to participate in Parent Coordination they are often perceived as non cooperative parents should they elect not to participate.

Currently a grass root efforts is being led by TAJ Project, (www.tajproject.org) to further reform the Parent Coordinating Act in Texas in hopes of protecting victims of domestic violence. The group points to the fact that victims are having to sit and visit with the violent offenders.

A spokes person for TAJ PROJECT stated, "You would never ask a rape victim to go to "couples counseling" with their rapist - well that's exactly what is being forced upon victims of domestic violence when they have to sit with their violent attackers in so called cooperative parenting sessions."