What began with shelters informally helping survivors navigate family court has grown into a province-wide Ontario program — but advocates say making sure women know the help exists remains critical.
The Family Court Support Worker Program was established in 2011 following years of grassroots work by shelters, community agencies and Luke’s Place, an organization supporting women dealing with family law after intimate partner violence.
Locally, you can connect to the program through Bernadette McCann House.
Feminist lawyer and advocate Pamela Cross says the program has come a long way.
Support workers help survivors understand family court, organize documents, prepare for legal appointments and connect with other services.
Luke’s Place co-director Emily Murray says their role continues to change as more women navigate family court without lawyers.
The service is free and there is no financial eligibility test.
That makes awareness particularly important.
Cross says survivors do not need to wait until they have a lawyer or court date before seeking help.
Most Family Court Support Worker services are delivered through community agencies and shelters. Cross says a local women’s shelter can direct someone to the appropriate service even if it does not operate the program itself.
The network continues to grow.
Murray says increased provincial funding has helped expand the program.
Workers also receive specialized training and gather annually to learn about changes in family law, court procedures and services.
Challenges remain, especially in rural and northern Ontario, where workers may spend hours travelling between communities and courthouses.
For advocates, however, one of the most immediate opportunities is simply spreading the word.
The more survivors, families and community organizations know Family Court Support Workers exist, the greater the chance women navigating separation, family violence and court proceedings will find help instead of trying to face the system alone.
Anyone seeking the service can start by contacting a local women’s shelter or community organization supporting survivors of intimate partner violence.
(Bob Perreault)