CANADA, August 10 -
Summary
- The Province’s Parenting After Separation course provides information, tools for families navigating separation, divorce
- The course is available in French to help francophone parents, families in B.C. make informed decisions in the best interests of children
- The course is also available in English and Punjabi, with a culturally informed version available for Indigenous families
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Francophone parents and families in B.C. going through separation can now access a free online course in French, helping them get information and support in their preferred official language.
“Separation can be a difficult and emotional experience for families,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Making this course available in French will help more parents and caregivers access practical information and support in the language they are most comfortable using, so they can make informed decisions and better support their children.”
Parenting After Separation is a free online course offered by the Province that helps parents and family members understand the impacts of separation and divorce, reduce conflict and support the well-being of children and youth during family transitions.
Providing the course in French helps ensure francophone families in B.C. can access family justice services and information in their preferred official language.
Helping more people access services
People involved in a family law case in B.C. Provincial Court may be required to complete the Parenting After Separation course before a family management conference with a judge can be scheduled.
“Access to services in French helps ensure francophone people can fully participate in their communities and access the support they need,” said Adrian Dix, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “Offering the Parenting After Separation course in French is another step toward making government services more accessible and responsive to the needs of francophone families in British Columbia.”
Practical support for parents, caregivers
The course is designed for people who are co-parenting, separating or divorcing, and navigating decisions about guardianship, parenting arrangements, child support and other family matters.
It provides information about:
- the impact of separation on adults, children and youth involved
- strategies to help families adjust to change
- effective ways to communicate and reduce conflict
- how to keep children and youth out of conflicts
- options for resolving family disputes, including mediation, counselling and the court process
Research and participant feedback indicates that people who complete the Parenting After Separation course have a better understanding of dispute resolution options, processes and ways to support their children through separation and divorce.
The French-language Parenting After Separation course is part of government’s ongoing work to make justice services more accessible and responsive to the needs of people in British Columbia. The initiative aligns B.C.’s family justice services with changes to federal and provincial family laws made in 2024 that recognize official-language rights in French law proceedings.
Quick Facts:
- Since 1994, the Province has offered Parenting After Separation courses at no cost.
- The course is also available in English and Punjabi.
- A culturally informed version of the Parenting After Separation course is available to support Indigenous families.
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