The Procedure for Taking FOCCUS on the Internet

For engaged couples in England and Wales and for overseas couples thinking of getting married in England or Wales -

You do need to have ready the password given to you by your facilitator to start to take the FOCCUS inventory. You do not need to be at the same Internet terminal or even in the same country as your fiancé[e] to take FOCCUS [General Edition] online, and one of you may pay for FOCCUS by credit card online by selecting the button beneath, "If your facilitator has asked you to pay on line, please use the link below". Please note only the first member of the couple needs to use his/her VISA/MasterCard if payment is made online.

Please go to www.affinities.org.uk

You will see on this page a rectangular box with FOCCUS in it. Underneath this logo click on FOCCUS Facilitator Selection.

On the next screen of Registered FOCCUS Facilitators scroll down the list of places to select a facilitator, or choose the one you know by surname.

Click on the button to the left of the named facilitator you have chosen.

On the next screen check that your facilitator's name, phone number, and e-mail address is at the top of the screen. Click on SHOW INVENTORY INSTRUCTIONS HERE if you want to read the on-screen instructions. Then click on FOCCUS MEMBER [or proceed to pay by credit card online].

On the next screen enter the three initials for each of you [if you only have two, make one up]. Please do not to put dots or spaces between the letters. Both of you must agree on the initials you are using.

Underneath your sets of initials is a space for your facilitator's password. Type this password, which will be given to you by your facilitator, in and click the appropriate WOMAN/MAN button.

Then click on CONTINUE WITH FOCCUS.

Enter your own personal password on the next screen [you MUST remember this if you need to revisit FOCCUS before completion].

On the following screen please complete the biographical information requested, selecting one button for each section.

When you have completed the biographical sections, click STORE AND CHECK INFORMATION.

On the following screens please answer the 156 statements that appear - with around 15 on one page at a time - by clicking on the AGREE, DISAGREE, OR UNCERTAIN buttons. Try to answer as honestly as you can - go for your gut reaction, try to avoid second-guessing what your partner will do or what you perceive to be the best or ideal response. Use UNCERTAIN if you think the statement is not relevant to you. Remember FOCCUS is NOT a pass/fail test; it is an inventory designed to promote discussion.

Once you have completed the 156 standard statements you will be presented with three more alternatives. If you are an INTERCHURCH OR INTERFAITH couple there are additional questions, or if one of you is REMARRYING, or if you are currently COHABITING. Please BOTH complete any of these sections that are relevant to either of you.
The initial input screen with which you began will show you have both 'finished' or 'untouched' the 'biography interfaith remarriage cohabitation' sections. There is a report at the foot of the screen 'Congratulations data complete, Your facilitator has been notified'.
So when you have both finished, your facilitator will automatically be advised by e-mail and your FOCCUS report will be sent to him/her by e-mail.
Whilst you are completing the inventory you should not attempt to discuss the issues that arise from the FOCCUS statements, as this will defeat the exercise. However, when you have both finished you should discuss them as much as possible before your first feedback session with a facilitator.
Thank you for completing FOCCUS online. When you have finished going through your FOCCUS report with your facilitator/mentor couple and completed any educational/skills development course that is provided as part of your marriage preparation programme, you may complete FOCCUS for the Future.
FOCCUS for the Future is a summary or planning exercise which will enable you to bring together and compare your conclusions about what you think you both need to do to maintain a good marriage relationship. FOCCUS for the Future can be completed interactively online and then printed out, or written out on pre-printed forms available from your facilitator. It should be retained for future reference. We also recommend that you take REFOCCUS online a year or two after your wedding, preferably in conjunction with a marriage enhancement course. You can find more details of these at the LIST of COURSES at www.affinities.org.uk.
If you have any difficulties with taking FOCCUS online that your facilitator cannot resolve, please e-mail support@foccus.org.uk.

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