
OUR CONFERENCE BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE
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DOWNLOAD 2019 CONFERENCE BROCHURELOCATION: Sheraton Hotel, 116 King Street West, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3
Speakers: Dr. Barbara Fidler, Psychologist, Families Moving Forward, Justice George Czutrin, Superior Court of Justice, Cathryn Paul, Lawyer/Mediator, Oakville Mediation, and Valya Roberts, Executive Director, Dalhousie Place
Moderator: Nicholas Bala, Professor, Queen’s University
Attendees who are newly entering the field of family law will have an opportunity to draw on the insights and experience of multidisciplinary professionals from the bench, the bar, and mental health fields in a panel forum. This is a unique opportunity to gain information as the family law professionals reflect on topics such as their duties related to advocacy, best practices for analyzing ethical dilemmas, and best practices for career management as a family law professional.
Mingle with AFCC-O colleagues! (appetizers and one complimentary drink provided)
LOCATION: Liuna Station, 360 James Street North, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3
As family law, mental health, and legal professionals, we know that offenders use whatever means available to abuse, harass, stalk, and monitor victims. Today’s technology has provided offenders with tools to accomplish these tasks without having to leave the safety of their homes. In this interactive workshop, Steven Bradley will explore the risks and benefits of technology for victims and professionals alike. Attendees will learn safety planning and evidence collection strategies for phone technology, location apps, social media, and more. Non-technical language will be used to describe the privacy levels of each area and how to safely navigate the world of technology.
Pamela Cross, Legal Director, Luke’s Place
Canada’s Divorce Act addresses the issue of family violence head-on, with a detailed definition of family violence, criteria for the best interests of the child test and new language to replace custody and access. This workshop will explore both the strengths and weaknesses of the new law, focusing on where it could do more to protect the safety and wellness of women and their children. Attendees will be educated on how to recognize and respond to the needs of clients who have experienced domestic violence and about situations where their clients and children may be vulnerable to ongoing harassment and abuse by violent ex-partners and prompt them to seek terms that will respond to these vulnerabilities.
Robert Leckey, Dean, McGill Law Faculty of Law
Joanna Radbord, Partner, Martha McCarthy and Co.
Robert Shawyer, Shawyer Family Law and Mediation
Breaking up is hard to do. In Ontario, if you are in a common-law relationship it should not come with an unnecessary complex legal scheme when it comes to the division of property as well. Other provinces such as British Columbia and Manitoba have already shown that it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time for the Ontario legislature to follow suit.
Nicholas Bala, Professor, Queen’s University
Brian Burke, President, AFCC Ontario Chapter
Andrea Himel, Himel Mediation and Family Law Services
Justice Kendra Coats, Superior Court of Justice
Aaron Franks, Partner, Epstein Cole LLP
Claire Houston, Professor, Western University
This workshop will explore some of the legal and medico-legal issues that arise in family law cases involving a dispute over a child’s gender identity. Specific topics will include gender disputes in the context of a high conflict separation, children’s participation in disputes over their gender, and children’s decision-making in medically transitioning to a different gender.
Dr. Dan Ashbourne, Executive Director, London Family Court Clinic
Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, Professor, King’s University College, Western University
Dr. Deb Goodman, Director, Child Welfare Institute, CAS Toronto
Katherine Kavassalis, Legal Director, Office of the Children’s Lawyer
The presenters are involved in a community-based collaborative pilot project and related research project that focuses on better responding to ‘cross-over’ cases (i.e. child welfare and parenting disputes) with a dynamic Impact Service Response Team. This interdisciplinary team (i.e. lawyers/social work staff from the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and child welfare is providing coordinated case management in Toronto for families involved in parenting disputes. The presenters will discuss the process, collaboration between agencies and government and explore initial findings to date.
Justice Kendra Coats, Superior Court of Justice
Justice Lena Madsen, Superior Court of Justice
Justice Sheilagh O’Connell, Ontario Court of Justice
Judges will share their unique experiences and perspectives on the changes in family law in Ontario, including a review of relevant case law shaping the landscape of work with families post-separation and divorce. Topics include the use of technology and evidence in family law and how to recognize any unique parent and child needs for circumstances (e.g. culture, language, gender and socio-economic status).
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DOWNLOAD 2019 CONFERENCE BROCHUREMemberships are offered via our AFCC International website at:
www.afccnet.org/become-a-member
If you require assistance with joining or renewing your membership you may contact AFCC at:
or by calling 1-608-664-3750 for assistance.
(905)667-1999
Conference attendees are eligible for discounted hotel rates beginning at $159 CAD/night for October 17-18, 2019. Use this link to make your reservation prior to September 20, 2019:
www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1550082767338&key=GRP&app=resvlink
AFCC-O members share a strong commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration in order to benefit communities, empower families, and promote a healthy future for children. We promote a collaborative approach to serving the needs of children among those who work in and with family law systems, encouraging education, research and innovation and identifying best practices. Your sponsorship and support allows us to continue offering programs to our members and community of professionals.
For more information please download our 2019 AFCC-O Conference Sponsorship Form
Sponsorship levels available include: GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE, SUPPORTER
Display Tables are also available
Contact Michelle Hayes, Conference Committee Chair at: mhayes@afccontario.ca (905)667-1999
Sponsors logos appear below in listed categories of sponsorship
Check back here for further information on CPD accreditation as it becomes available
Attendance at our conference is also recognized by both the American Psychological Association, and the Ontario Association of Social Workers for continuing education.
Certificates of Attendance are available through on-line conference registration