BC Provincial Court can require course completion before setting family management conference
Niki Sharma, British Columbia’s attorney general, has highlighted that the province’s Francophone parents and families undergoing a separation or divorce can now take the free online course “Parenting After Separation” in French.
“Making this course available in French will help more parents and caregivers access practical information and support in the language they are most comfortable using, so they can make informed decisions and better support their children,” Sharma said in a news release.
“Access to services in French helps ensure francophone people can fully participate in their communities and access the support they need,” added Adrian Dix, BC’s minister responsible for Francophone affairs.
The attorney general’s news release noted that the Provincial Court of British Columbia could require those involved in family law proceedings to complete the course before scheduling a family management conference with a judge.
Goals of ‘Parenting After Separation’ course
“Separation can be a difficult and emotional experience for families,” Sharma said.
According to the attorney general’s news release, the course aims to help Francophone parents and families.
- Access family justice services and information in their preferred official language
- Know the consequences of separation and divorce on the adults, youth, and children involved
- Understand their family dispute resolution options, including mediation, counselling, and court proceedings
- Learn effective ways to communicate and limit conflict
- Ensure the well-being of children and youth during a time of transition
- Consider strategies to adapt to change
“Offering the Parenting After Separation course in French is another step toward making government services more accessible and responsive to the needs of francophone families in British Columbia,” Dix said.
More on the course
The attorney general’s news release noted that the course targets those who are co-parenting, separating, divorcing, and dealing with guardianship decisions, parenting arrangements, child support, and other family matters.
Offered for free since 1994, BC’s “Parenting After Separation” courses are also available in English and Punjabi. Indigenous families can avail of a culturally informed version of the course.
More family law news
Here are some other news stories revolving around family law.
On July 22, the Northwest Territories government announced that amendments to the Protection Against Family Violence Act – including the introduction of a civil tort of stalking and the expansion of access to emergency protection orders – had come into force.
In late March, the Supreme Court of British Columbia highlighted an expansion of access to virtual hearings and video appearances in civil and family proceedings, including case planning conferences and judicial management conferences.
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