Family Violence Training for Lawyers and Mediators

August 22, 2019

In Spring 2018, amendments were passed to The Children’s Law Act, 1997, The Family Maintenance Act, 1997, The Family Property Act and The Queen’s Bench Act, 1998 to recognize and promote early dispute resolution. The Acts also added provisions to The Arbitration Act, 1992 to facilitate the use of arbitration in family law disputes. The amendments will require parties in certain family law proceedings to make efforts to resolve disputes through an approved dispute resolution process before proceeding with the court process.

The amendments provide that the following processes fall within the definition of “family dispute resolution”: the services of a family mediator, family arbitrator or parenting coordinator, other collaborative law services or any other process or service prescribed. 

Regulations setting out the training and experience required to be a family arbitrator or parenting coordinator for the purpose of meeting the mandatory ADR requirement are in force as of July 15, 2019. Similar regulations are being prepared regarding family mediators and collaborative lawyers. Family mediators, collaborative lawyers, parent coordinators, and family arbitrators must all attend 14 hours of training about family violence in order to be recognized by the Minister.

The Provincial Association of Transition Houses (PATHS) will be providing 13 hour training on family violence, which will cover:

•             Types of intimate partner violence—physical, sexual, psychological, financial, stalking and harassment, etc.

•             Dynamics of power and control

•             Trauma-and-violence-informed approach to working with survivors of IPV

•             Risk assessment and safety planning

•             Legislation that can help survivors (EIOs, workplace leave, etc.)

•             Why screen for domestic violence?

•             Precautions needed when using mediation

•             Impact of exposure to domestic violence on children

Training will be held in Prince Albert September 17 – 18, in Regina October 10-11, and in Saskatoon October 16-17.  Each day will be 9 – 4:30 with an hour for lunch (not provided). 

The cost to register is $250.

If you need more information, contact PATHS at (306) 522-3515 or at:  paths.research@sasktel.net

To register, go to: 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/provincial-association-of-transition-houses-and-services-of-saskatchewan-paths/events/understanding-the-dynamics-of-domestic-violence-for-family-law-practitioners-regina (in Regina)

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/provincial-association-of-transition-houses-and-services-of-saskatchewan-paths/events/understanding-the-dynamics-of-domestic-violence-for-family-law-practitioners-saskatoon (in Saskatoon)

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/provincial-association-of-transition-houses-and-services-of-saskatchewan-paths/events/understanding-the-understanding-the-dynamics-of-domestic-violence-for-family-law-practitioners (in Prince Albert)