The Family Court Clinic offers clinical services to families involved in matters before family court. Operating under the auspices of Kingston Health Sciences Centre on Brock 5 of the Hotel Dieu Hospital site in the Child & Youth Mental Health Program, the clinic offers assessment in matters relating to child welfare matters and the Youth Justice Act. Assessments are assigned to a primary worker and are comprehensive and detailed (taking 12 to 15 weeks to complete) and require interviews with the parties, children, and other involved individuals.
Since the clinic resources to complete assessments are somewhat limited there are some restrictions on the referrals including:
- There must be a significant clinical issue identified regarding a child, (e.g., behavioural or mood disturbance, school performance / attendance, exposure to protracted, severe parental conflict, child maltreatment, or regarding mental health issues in respect to one or both parents)
- Other clinical criteria may include specific concerns about parenting that have been identified by community agencies / professionals
Referral Process for Family Court Clinic
The Court makes an order for the assessment to be completed and the matter is assigned to a clinician as soon as possible on receipt of the order.
Child & Family Services Act Referrals (CWA-Section 54): Referrals under the CFSA are intended to provide assistance to the Court in respect to future planning for children who have been found to be “in need of protection.” Family members may be seen individually or in combination. A report is provided to the Court outlining family and personal history, problem identification and formulation. Usually, clinical recommendations are offered with regard to disposition, and copies are provided to Court and legal counsel (including legal counsel for the CAS and children). The clinician will, if necessary, provide additional evidence or opinion at trial.
Young Offender Referrals (YCJA-Section 34): Young Offenders are typically referred following conviction and prior to disposition. The Family Court Clinic provides clinical assessment of youth in conflict with the law within the context of his or her family and community, and may offer recommendations regarding disposition. Usually, the young person is seen individually and family interviews may also be conducted. Psychological testing may be undertaken. A report is provided to the Court, who distributes it to the Crown and legal counsel.
Contact Information
Phone: 613-544-3400 extension 2512
Fax: 613-548-6075
Email: @email
