Sixteenth Justice Summit: Family and Youth Justice

A video introduction where the Sixteenth Justice Summit presenters share with everyone some of the key ideas around family and youth justice, and how these ideas are approached from different perspectives in the larger justice and public safety sector.

Presenters:

• Representatives from presenting organizations

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This presentation provides a high-level overview on the development of a Child and Youth Well-being Action Plan and Outcomes Framework, which intends to shift government towards a new way of prioritizing and acting, and to support the strong, stable foundation children and youth need to enjoy a secure childhood and grow into healthy and thriving adults. The commitment to a new approach follows the release of “Don't Look Away - How one boy’s story has the power to shift a system of care for children and youth” investigation and systemic review conducted by the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) in 2024.

The goals of the Action Plan are:

• To provide an all-of government approach for prioritizing policies, programs, and services designed to support child and youth well-being; and
• To outline actions government will be taking to address priorities improving the well-being of children, youth and families in the province.

Presenters:

• Danielle Smith, Executive Director, Early Years, CYSN, and Adoptions Policy Branch, Ministry of Children and Family Development
• Kiera Bailey, Manager, Early Years and CYSN Policy, Ministry of Children and Family Development
• Jan White, Director, Early Years Policy and Programs, Ministry of Children and Family Development

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This session offers an overview of the services available within British Columbia’s family justice sector, highlighting how families can access legal and practical supports as they navigate separation, divorce, and related challenges. It will introduce the range of publicly available programs and resources designed to promote family well-being, focus on the best interests of children and youth, and support access to justice.

The presentation will describe key service areas – such as legal information and advice, dispute resolution, parenting education, and court-related supports – and situate the Family Justice Services Division (FJSD) within this broader landscape. By exploring how various services complement one another, the session will emphasize the value of coordinated, child- and family-centred approaches to justice across the province.

Presenters:

• Stephanie Melvin, Executive Director, Family Justice Services Division, Justice Services Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General
• Pam Welsh, Senior Regional Director, Operations, Family Justice Services Division, Justice Services Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General
• Oriole Courcy, Director of Program Policy/Strategic Initiatives, Family Justice Services Division, Justice Services Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General

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This session provides an opportunity to explore the continuum of legal aid services available to people navigating family law issues. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how we support clients throughout their legal journeys, emphasizing our commitment to accessible, equitable, and trauma-informed care.

We will provide a high-level overview of the various services offered, including legal advice, representation, and how duty counsel support the early resolution process. Following this, we will delve into the innovative, multidisciplinary approach of our trauma-informed Family Law Centres. These Centres were specially designed to serve survivors of family violence, addressing both their legal needs and essential non-legal support to promote overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive not only legal assistance but also the comprehensive supports necessary to rebuild their lives in a safe and sustainable way.

Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how our services are designed to meet the diverse needs of families, promote healing, and foster meaningful stabilization through coordinated, trauma-informed care. ​

Presenters:

• Wendy Jackson, CEO, Legal Aid BC​
• Katrina Harry, Manager Family Law Services, Legal Aid BC ​
• Ram Sidhu, Manager of Clinic Operations, Legal Aid BC​

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Rise Women’s Legal Centre’s Vicky Law and Stephanie Melnyk co-authored a report in October 2024 outlining their research into family law challenges in rural and remote communities of BC. Forty non-profit organizations engaged in meaningful discussions resulting in the development of nine practical recommendations for improving accessibility to family justice in BC. Most of the recommendations are directly related to the work of MAG and other recommendations might be better implemented with government involvement. For this Justice Summit, Vicky and Stephanie will outline possible approaches for positives changes. We will explain our recommendations including some focused on cross-sector collaboration and some that involve technological solutions. The session will conclude with a Q&A to be sure we address any questions participants might have.

For reference, the full report can be found at Building Inclusive and Accessibly Family Justice.

Presenters:

• Vicky Law, Executive Director, Rise Women’s Legal Centre
• Stephanie Melnyk, Community Engagement Coordinator, Rise Women’s Legal Centre

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Indigenous people, including youth, are overrepresented in British Columbia’s justice system. The Province has committed to reducing this overrepresentation in several ways, including endorsing the First Nations Justice Strategy and Métis Justice Strategy. Indigenous youth have distinct experiences and unique socio-economic factors that can contribute to their potential involvement in the justice system. The presentation(s) will reflect the work underway to provide culturally appropriate services, reflect Indigenous youth engagement within justice system change.

Presenters: Coming soon

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Children and youth are impacted by the family justice system in many ways – legislation establishes what types of orders or decisions may be made about children and what processes are used to obtain them; government policies and programs impact the services and supports that are available to youth and their families; and family court orders or agreements dictate how children and youth experience their day to day lives and relationships with their family members.  There is increasing recognition that decisions about children and youth should not be made without first hearing their views and perspectives.

1) The Family Policy and Transformation Division, Ministry of Attorney General, will talk about how they are changing the way they do law reform, sharing what they learned by engaging with youth on a project to modernize BC’s Family Law Act. 

Presenters: 

• Shannan Knutson, Legal Counsel
• Aurora Beraldin, Legal Counsel

2) The Youth Advisory Council, under the Provincial Director of Child Welfare at the Ministry of Children and Family Development, will showcase how youth voices are actively incorporated into government policy and program decisions. Council members will speak about their roles and highlight specific ways their input has shaped policy and practice. 

Presenters:

• Alana Reeve, Youth Advisory Council Mental Health Clinician
• Connie Epp, Director of Adoption Services

3) The Society for Children and Youth of BC provides free legal representation for young people whose families are navigating often high conflict separation and divorce. In this session, you will hear about the magic that happens when we truly “hear the child”.  A young person and their parent will share their experience of working with a children’s lawyer through their family law case.

Presenters:

• Suzette Narbonne, KC, Managing Child and Youth Lawyer
• A.S. and E.S. - a mother and young person who worked with a children’s lawyer

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