1998 Nationwide Survey of the Legal Status of Parent Education

This article reports the findings of a legislative survey conducted to determine the legal status of parent education in the United States. Specifically, this survey reveals that since 1994. the number of states that enacted legislation authorizing or mandating attendance at parent education programs has more than quadrupled. The article features a state‐by‐state analysis of the various legal models currently in effect, including the source of authority, attendence model, and legal circumstances giving rise to participation. A capsule summary describing specific characteristics of the governing law of each state is also provided for reference.