Since 1991 PACE has been recognized as a national mental health professional organization. PACE certifies qualified mental health professionals to practice the specialties of Custody Evaluator and/or Parenting Coordinator. These individuals are certified to practice at the independent practice level and hold the following credentials:

PACE, as a recognized professional organization, certifies qualified mental health professionals to practice the mental health specialty of Parenting Coordinator at the independent practice level. They will hold the credential of Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator™(NCPC)

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

The use of Parenting Coordinators is a relatively new intervention to manage high-conflict custody cases. Parents retain and compensate a clinician to arbitrate ongoing child-related disputes either by private agreement or by Court Order. That clinician then becomes the Parenting Coordinator.

What does the Parenting Coordinator do?

The Parenting Coordinator works directly with the parents to help them communicate more effectively and avoid conflicts about child-related issues. Parents who are constantly in court about child-related issues (such as a holiday visitation schedule or the sharing of information about a child’s academic or medical developments) might benefit from opinions and guidance to help make communication more effective. In addition, the parenting coordinator mediates issues, and when the parents are unable to agree, the parenting coordinator is often given the power to arbitrate what the result should be.

Ultimately, the court has the final say over child custody and visitation issues, but a Parenting Coordinator can drastically reduce the need to go to court and therefore reduce conflict for the children in families involved in such disputes.

Members will have two documents to verify their certification. One is a license-sized certificate (8” X 5”) with special built-in security characteristics and the other is a full-sized certificate for your office. They both contain all of the relevant information and attest to the fact that the named recipient "has satisfied the requirements for education, training, and experience, contained in PACE’S Criteria for Practice at the Independent Practice Level and is therefore recognized as a Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator."

Additionally, court personnel and prospective clients will be invited to visit a new website, being developed as both a registry and also to enhance the credibility and stature of the Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator™(NCPC).

PACE, as a recognized professional organization, certifies qualified custody evaluators to practice the mental health specialty of Custody Evaluator at the independent practice level. They will hold the credential of Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator™ (NCCE).

Members will have two documents to verify their certification. One is a license-sized certificate (8” X 5”) with special built-in security characteristics and the other is a full-sized certificate for your office. They both contain all of the relevant information and attest to the fact that the named recipient "has satisfied the requirements for education, training, and experience, contained in PACE’S Criteria for Practice at the Independent Practice Level and is therefore recognized as a Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator."

Additionally, court personnel and prospective clients will be invited to visit a new website, being developed as both a Registry and also to enhance the credibility and stature of the Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator™ (NCCE).

A. Doctoral or Masters Degree in a mental health specialty from a university/college that is regionally accredited; and

B. Only ONE of the following three choices (B-1 or B-2 or B-3) is required:

B-1. Currently licensed by a State Board of Examiners to practice a mental health specialty at the independent practice level or;

B-2. Member of a recognized mental health professional association that has published relevant standards of practice for a mental health specialty or;

B-3. Minimum of two years experience working with a family court system; and

C-1. If applying for Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator™(NCCE)
A minimum of two years custody evaluation experience, during which the applicant has independently conducted a minimum of five comprehensive custody evaluations; and

C-2. If applying for Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator™(NCPC)
A minimum of two years experience working at a professional level with at least five sets of high conflict or litigating parents, providing services that have been described by various designations, including, but not limited to: parenting coordinator, family coordinator, mediator, reunification therapist, couples therapist, facilitator, etc. In general, we are seeking professionals who have experience working with men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers who are involved in high conflict relationships with each other.

D. Two names (with contact information) of colleagues (mental health professionals, attorneys, judges, etc.) who we can contact to validate the information that you have submitted on your application.

The PACE Executive Operating Committee has been authorized to use a degree of flexibility in the handling of certain special situations that may arise during the application process without compromising the integrity of PACE’S Current Criteria.

FEES

Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator™ (NCPC)

One-time application processing fee:$338 $169 during Grandfathering Period-YOU SAVE $169

Annual Certification Fee: $129

Total with this Application: $298 (One-time application processing fee of $169 and first Annual Certification Fee of $129.)

This covers ALL fees until your next Annual Certification Fee of $129 is due twelve months after your Approval Date.

NOTE: If an applicant is NOT accepted for certification ALL fees will be promptly returned.

Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator™ ™ (NCCE)

One-time application processing fee: $338 $169 during Grandfathering Period-YOU SAVE $169

Annual Certification Fee: $129

Total with this Application: $298 (One-time application processing fee of $169 and first Annual Certification Fee of $129.)

This covers ALL fees until your next Annual Certification Fee of $129 is due twelve months after your Approval Date.

NOTE: If an applicant is NOT accepted for certification ALL fees will be promptly returned.

BOTH CREDENTIALS AT THE SAME TIME:

Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator™(NCCE)
and
Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator™(NCPC)

ADD UP THE TOTAL FEES FOR NCPC and NCCE FROM ABOVE AND
DEDUCT 25%

$298 + 298 = $596 DEDUCT 25% ($149) Your total for the two Certifications is $447.

(This covers ALL fees until the next Annual Certification Fees of $129 are due twelve months after your Approval Dates.)

NOTE: If an applicant is NOT accepted for certification ALL fees will be promptly returned.

TEN DAY TURN-AROUND SCHEDULE*

Your Certificates should be in the mail to
you within ten days after the receipt of
your application by PACE.

*This is based on our ACTUAL turn-around
time for the last 30 days.

I talk to mental health professionals every day---social workers, counselors, psychologists, etc. Here are some of their questions---and my answers.

What does it cost?
$298 covers EVERYTHING for the first year. That’s made up of $169 application processing fee and $129 for the first full year certification dues. Then it will cost $129 per year. The annual fee of $129 will never change for you as long as you stay certified. (Yes, it may go up for new applicants, but NEVER for you!) We think that it’s only fair that the early applicants should reap some special benefits for their early loyalty. Also, if your application is not approved you get the $298 promptly refunded.

What do I get?
You get two certificates---one licensed-sized and one full size for your office. You will be added to a directory where court personnel and the public will go to find out about NCCE’s and NCPC’s. You’ll get discounts on seminars, publications, and testing instruments. Most important, you’ll have the ability to add an income producing certification to your practice, (I won’t even discuss the positive implications of adding a national title to your name.)

How long does it take?
It takes less than 45 minutes to fill out the application. (You push the SEND button and we have it five seconds later.) Ten days from then you’ll have your certificates and welcoming materials.

Questions? Call Howard at 800-633-PACE (7223) or email me at howard@vp411.com

Regards,

Howard/PACE ADMINISTRATOR

SECTION 1
Parenting Coordinator Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Parenting Coordinator (PC)?

A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a trained mental health or legal professional with experience working with high conflict separated parents. The coordinator assists parents to implement their parenting plan and make the necessary changes needed to establish a collaborative parenting partnership. The Parenting Coordinator facilitates resolution of disputes, educates parents about children’s needs, monitors parental behavior and, with prior approval of the parties and/or the court, makes temporary decisions within the scope of the court order or appointment contract.

2. What is the purpose of Parenting Coordination?

The overall emphasis is to offer children the opportunity to grow in a home environment free from the devastating stress of being caught in the middle of parental conflict. Parenting Coordination combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management and sometimes decision-making functions to help high-conflict parents who have demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to make parenting decisions on their own or comply with parenting agreements and court orders. The family’s progress is monitored to ensure that parents are fulfilling their obligations to their child while complying with the recommendations of the court. The process is intended to assist parents establish and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship by reducing parental conflict and the risk factors that influence a child’s post-divorce adjustment.

3. How is a Parenting Coordinator (PC) assigned to a case?

The Parenting Coordinator is usually appointed by the Court with the consent of the parents. Parents may also volunteer to utilize the services of a PC.

4. Can a Parenting Coordinator make recommendations and temporary decisions for the parents?

Parenting Coordinators can make recommendations and decisions for parents within the scope of the appointment order. The Parenting Coordinator’s authority is delineated in the court order or by the consent of the parents.

5. What kinds of issues does a Parenting Coordinator address?

If specified in the court order, a Parenting Coordinator may have authority to resolve the following types of issues:

Minor changes or clarification of parenting time schedules including vacation, holidays, and temporary variations from the existing parenting plan.

Transitions or exchanges of the children including date, time, place, means of transportation and/or transporter.

Health care management including medical, dental, orthodontic and vision care child-rearing issues.

Psychotherapy or other mental health care including substance abuse assessment or counseling for the children. (To be done by a third-party)

Psychological testing or other assessment. (To be done by a third-party)

School choice issues

Extracurricular activity disputes

Religious observances and education

Communication between the parents about the children

Clothing, equipment and personal possessions of the children

Haircuts, tattoos, ear and body piercing issues

Role of and contact with significant others and extended families

Parenting classes for either or both parents

Any other issues as agreed by the parents and included in the court order or stipulation appointing the parenting coordinator

6. Can Parenting Coordinators make decisions that would change legal custody and physical custody from one parent to the other or in other ways, substantially change the parenting plan?

No, this is beyond the scope of the Parenting Coordinator’s role.

7. Can a Parenting Coordinator serve in more than one role?

No, a Parenting Coordinator should not be appointed, or accept a Parenting Coordinator appointment, if they have been involved in a case as a guardian ad litem, custody evaluator, therapist, or one parent’s attorney.

8. Does the Parenting Coordinator perform the same function as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?

No, a GAL is a party to the case, serves as the child’s legal representative, and may make recommendations to the court that are in the child’s best interests. The PC is not a party to the case, does not represent either parent or any of the children. The PC attempts to facilitate resolution of issues for the entire family, and if necessary, makes decisions as authorized by court order. The GAL appointment ends when the case is disposed of in Court. The Parenting Coordinator’s role is on-going, within the scope of the particular court order or stipulation.

9. Do Parenting Coordinators offer legal advice?

No, offering legal advice is outside the scope of the Parenting Coordinator’s role.

10. How are Parenting Coordinators paid?

The court order or stipulation usually indicates the allocation of fees paid to the PC. More often than not, fees associated with the parenting coordination process are divided between the parties, taking into consideration the relative incomes of the parties, and giving the Parenting Coordinator authority to reassess allocation of fees depending on the circumstances. The Parenting Coordinator usually explains and discusses with the parents fees, costs and method of payment, in writing and prior to beginning the parenting coordinator process.

11. What happens if the parents disagree with a recommendation or temporary decision made by a Parenting Coordinator?

The method parents may use to voice their objections to a parenting coordinator’s recommendations are generally outlined in the court order or agreement. In some jurisdictions, a party may file an objection to any recommendation or decision made by a Parenting Coordinator within fifteen days after the recommendation of the PC. Responses may be filed within fifteen days after an objection is served. The Court follows its customary procedures, which may include a review of the objections and responses, and schedules the matter for a hearing de novo or enter other appropriate orders. However, the protocol used by jurisdictions vary.

SECTION 2
Frequently Asked Credentialing Questions

(1) Does the National Certification mean that I can practice in any state in the country?

No. It means that you have met criteria formulated by experts that represent the national standard for extra qualifications in the field designated. It’s always a good idea to find out if you can practice in a specific state by contacting the licensing bureau in that state. Many times you’ll find that no specific practice regulations are in force and that a simple courtesy letter from you is all that is needed.

(2) What is the PACE Credentialing Center?

The PACE Credentialing Center is a department within PACE responsible for the management of PACE credentials and specialty certifications. This department is responsible for the PACE Register of Nationally Certified Custody Evaluators, the PACE Register of Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinators, the PACE Register of Registered Custody Evaluators, Continuing Education Approval Program, and the Verifications Program.

(3) How many credentials and specialty certifications does PACE offer?

PACE offers three credentials: Nationally Certified Custody Evaluator (NCCE), Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator (NCPC), and Registered Custody Evaluator (RCE)

(4) How long has PACE had credentials and specialty certifications?

PACE has been offering credentials to mental health professionals for almost 20 years (since1991) starting with the Registered Custody Evaluator. NCCE and NCPC have been offered since March 1, 2010. The credentialing of Licensed Attorneys as Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinators began on June 1, 2010.

(5) Are the PACE credentials and specialty certifications the same as a state license?

PACE specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of education, experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for state licenses that may be required by a state in which you plan to offer your services.

A state license is issued to regulate the practice of mental health services and protect the public. A state license is issued by and useful only in the jurisdiction where the holder plans to practice. A PACE credential/specialty certification signifies that the holder has met the higher standards developed nationally in addition to having experience and working with certain populations. A specific state may have additional or different licensing requirements. To find out about a state’s licensing requirements contact the licensing board in that state.

(6) What is the purpose of a specialty certification?

PACE specialty certifications and other professional credentials provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge.

The purpose for a specialty certification is to:

Assure the public a minimum level of competency for quality service by certified professionals.

Professional recognition through a process which examines demonstrated work competencies.

Assure an opportunity for ongoing professional development.

Promote professional and ethical practice by enforcing adherence to a Code.

(7) How do I get my name in the PACE Register for Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinators (NCPC)?

Once you are approved for the NCPC credential you will automatically be added to the Register.

(8) What are the benefits of having a PACE credential or specialty certification?

Holders of PACE credentials and specialty certifications are recognized as meeting established national standards for their specialty and adhere to the PACE Code of Ethics. Holders have specialized knowledge, proven work experience, demonstrated competence, and adhere to ethical practice.

(9) I’m an attorney, how do I apply for a PACE credential or specialty certification?

You can download the application for attorneys at www.PaceForAttorneys.com

(10) How long does it take to obtain a PACE credential or specialty certification?

Application processing is usually completed within 10 days from the date that we receive the application.

(11) Is there a renewal process?

Yes. Renewal for Certification is every year. Renewal packets are sent prior to the expiration of the credential/certification.

(12) What are the criteria for the credentials and specialty certifications?

Our sites at www.PaceForMHP.com and www.PaceForAttorneys.com contains the Current Criteria for Acceptance

(13) Are continuing education (CE) credits required for PACE credentials and specialty certification renewals?

Six hours of continuing education are required for the renewal of each PACE specialty certification.

(14) Can I use the continuing education hours I submit for my state license to renew my PACE specialty certification?

Yes, as long as the content of the program is linked to the primary areas of the certification.

(15) What CE’s are acceptable for credentials and specialty certifications?

CE’s submitted for the renewal of specialty certifications must meet the core knowledge and skill areas for the respective certifications. In other words, continuing education programs must be related to the population and subject matter of the respective certifications. We are always happy to approve CE credits in advance. Contact staff@pace411.com

(16) Approval Guidelines:

• Courses provided by colleges and universities.
• NASW National or Chapter provided or approved trainings, workshops, and conferences.
• Courses provided by national mental health associations and organizations certified to grant continuing education.
• American Bar Association (national or state chapters) trainings, workshops, and conferences.
• Courses provided by national mental health associations and organizations certified to grant continuing education.
• Workplace in-service trainings or workshops.
• Home study programs that are approved by state licensing boards or educational entities.
• 50% (3 hours) may be obtained through accredited Web-based courses, distance learning, scholarly publications (e.g. books and journal articles), instruction (courses and workshops taught or presented), and computer-assisted instruction.

(17) What is the PACE Continuing Education (CE) Approval Program?

The PACE CE Approval Program approves relevant educational opportunities provided by numerous organizations.