AFCC Ontario members are united by a commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration to support communities, empower families, and promote positive outcomes for children.
Through leadership in research and symposiums, we identify emerging issues and advance initiatives that benefit families across Ontario.
Learn more about our recent initiative with Laura Spivack and Professor Michael Saini below.
The Board of Directors is excited to share that Laura Spivack and Prof. Michael Saini are the successful recipients of the AFCC-O research grant for the 2023-2025 funding cycle. Their project entitled Adapting the Trauma Informed Principles to Family Court: A Survey Examining Professionals Perception will examine trauma-informed practices within the family court system.
The researchers indicate that due to ongoing trauma, systemic factors, and mental health diagnoses, many families struggle to fully participate in decision-making about their lives and the lives of their children. These individuals also often feel disenfranchised within the Family Court System. The researchers suggest that developing a trauma-informed care approach within the Family Court System, while challenging, would better meet the needs of individuals using the system. Trauma-Informed Care involves five guiding principles: safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment (Harris & Fallot, 2001). These principles are commonly applied in various other systems and environments (e.g., mental health, hospitals, residential treatment).
The research of Ms. Spivack and Prof. Saini will involve the creation and implementation of a novel survey tool to evaluate adherence to trauma-informed principles within the Ontario Family Court System. The researchers will then provide recommendations for the Ontario Family Court System to foster a trauma-informed environment.