Mission, Vision and Values:
AFCC Ontario is a proud chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), an international, interdisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in the family justice system. Founded in 2008 by a small group of passionate professionals, AFCC Ontario has grown into the second-largest AFCC chapter in the world.
Today, we are uniquely positioned at the intersection of law, mental health, and dispute resolution, fostering meaningful collaboration across disciplines. We continue to shape the future of family justice in Ontario through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
What Sets Us Apart
- We bring together judges, lawyers, mediators, mental health professionals, academics, and child welfare experts.
- We adapt best practices to the Ontario and Canadian context through collaboration and shared expertise.
- We invest in the next generation through training, mentorship, and the Walsh Family Law Moot & Negotiation Competition.
- We produce practical, research-informed tools like the Parenting Plan Guide and Template.
- We advocate for access to justice and meaningful, child-focused reform in family law.
AFCC-O Past Presidents
2025 – Dr. Kim Harris / Kaitlyn McCabe
2024 – Dr. Kim Harris / Kaitlyn McCabe
2023 – Maxine Kerr / Carolyn Leach
2022 – Maxine Kerr / Carolyn Leach
2021 – Dr. Shely Polak
2020 – Dr. Shely Polak
2019 – Justice Phil Clay
2018 – Dr. Daniel T. Ashbourne
2017 – The Honourable Justice Gerri L. Wong
2016 – Andrea Himel
2015 – Dr. Rachel Birnbaum
2014 – The Honourable Justice Debra Paulseth
2013 – Dena Moyal
2012 – Dr. Barbara Jo Fidler
2011 – The Honourable Justice Craig Perkins
2010 – Patti Cross