FamilyCounsel.ca

Announcements

Back to Announcements

In-person PAS, PAS-HC and FOCIS permanently cancelled (even after the pandemic is over)

Ken Proudman Executive
 view Arbitrator profile
  BARR LLP
   Edmonton, Alberta


PAS and FOCIS will no longer be offered in person, seemingly even after the pandemic is over. They are now only available online at https://pas.albertacourts.ab.ca/

This is what The Family Centre's announcement stated:

"Unfortunately, we will no longer offer the Parenting After Separation (PAS) and Focus on Communication in Separation (FOCIS) classes. This change is because of the provincial government’s focus on austerity. These classes will be offered online only, as it reduces costs while maintaining access for Albertans."

It looks like this includes PAS High Conflict as well.

The online option has been helpful during the pandemic, and was a great alternative for parents who lived in remote locations or were unable to spend so much time away from their children. However, the permanent loss of access to an in-person psychologist and lawyer for spouses taking the PASHC and FOCIS courses in particular is very unfortunate. I suspect that saving a few thousand dollars per year will mean that some high conflict families will spend much more time litigating in the courts, thereby significantly increasing overall costs. I could be wrong, but this appears to be very short sighted.


0 3 years ago

Tracy C Brown Executive
 view Arbitrator profile
  Brown Law Group
   Edmonton, Alberta


I agree that these cuts are short-sighted (notwitstanding the easy short-term excuse of COVID-19). The in-person seminars surely provided value for money if we figure in the cost-savings of just one or two high-conflict cases being tempered or reigned in by the in-person guidance and learning opportunities.

The efforts to keep Family matters out of Court (as a system-necessity and in the best interests of children) will require more, not less investment in "prevention" and front-end services.


1 3 years ago

You must log in or sign up to reply to conversations.


Back to Announcements









© 2016 to 2024 Kenneth J. Proudman. DISCLAIMER: The tools, documents, and other information herein are not legal, tax, or accounting advice or opinions. This website contains content and files submitted by third parties, to which you download or view at your own risk. By using this website, you agree to release Kenneth J. Proudman, BARR LLP, and Miller Boileau Family Law Group from all present and future claims and liability, including liability arising from any negligence.