Mid to late 1980s: Specialized family justice services evolve

Last updated on October 1, 2019

The specialization of family justice services (formerly known as family court counselling services) started in the 1980s. The surge of legislative reforms in family law and empirical research led to significant interest in non-litigated approaches to resolving family matters related to child custody, access and support.

Probation Officer/Family Court Counsellor Don Head providing conciliation counselling in the Cranbrook Probation Office

Probation Officer/Family Court Counsellor Don Head providing conciliation counselling in the Cranbrook Probation Office

Retired Provincial Director Wendy Hacking relates to the resurging interest in family court counselling services within the Corrections Branch