Early 1990s: Specialization and integration of family justice services

An interministerial taskforce on family justice services and the family justice reform project set the stage for specialized and integrated family justice services in B.C.

Results of the 1991 taskforce recommended:

• Separation of family court counsellor and probation officer functions
• Promotion of alternative dispute resolution
• Enhanced mediation training; and
• Creation of community-based family justice centres across the province

An evaluation of the pilot project indicated that client satisfaction increased with staff specialization and the provision of services at one location. The availability of quality family mediation services and parent education programs were also highly valued by parents.