25-4-65. Qualifications of parenting coordinator.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

A parenting coordinator must satisfy the following minimum qualifications:

(1)A parenting coordinator must file an approved application on the prescribed form with the presiding judge for the circuit in which the parenting coordinator will provide parenting coordinator services;

(2)A parenting coordinator shall have a minimum of four hours of domestic violence training;

(3)A parenting coordinator must have a minimum of forty

(40)hours parenting coordination training. In place of forty

(40)hours training, a person may, with court approval, qualify as a parenting coordinator if that person has had five years' experience in parenting coordination with a minimum of twenty

(20)cases during that period. A parenting coordinator must have competence in the following areas:

(a)General knowledge of the South Dakota court system and its procedures in contested family matters;

(b)General knowledge of South Dakota family law, especially as applied to custody and visitation issues;

(c)Knowledge of child development and specifically the impact of divorce or separation on family members;

(d)Knowledge of resources available in the state to which the parties and the children can be referred for assistance;

(e)Knowledge of interviewing and problem-solving techniques applicable to the family setting.

(4)A parenting coordinator must be committed to and participate in continuing education courses.

(5)A parenting coordinator must either be an attorney who is licensed to practice law in South Dakota; a psychologist who is licensed to practice in South Dakota; a psychiatrist who is licensed to practice in South Dakota; a social worker, family therapist or substance abuse counselor licensed to practice in South Dakota; or any other South Dakota licensed or certified professional with education, experience and specialized expertise relevant to the duties of a parenting coordinator.