Practice Note 8 - Two Day Event

WHEN: October 24 & 25, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: In person, and online

INTENDED AUDIENCE: 

This workshop is open to Registered Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers  (MSW), Family Mediators, Members of the Judiciary, Family Law Bar  Members, Collaborative Family Lawyers, Parenting Coordinators, and students in any of the above disciplines. 

WITH: Eileen Ailon, R. Psych, Dr. Susan Clark, R. Psych, and Shams Amiry, Family Lawyer (Calgary)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to: 

• Understand the purpose of Practice Note 8 and its implications for mental health professionals and legal professionals 

• Understand the processes for Child Custody/Parenting Evaluations, and  become aware of ethical and procedural issues 

• Become aware of the continuum of applications and possible pitfalls 

• Highlight of the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of the Practice Note 8 process 

• Understand the principles behind writing service retainer agreements,  informed consent, and communicating with the Court 

PROGRAM: 

• Highlighting the important aspects of Practice Note 8 

• Overview of the assessment components 

• Ethical issues and dilemmas arising from the convergence of  psychological standards of practice with legal practices and procedures 

• Best practices when dealing with self-represented litigants 

• Responsibility to monitor and adhere to timelines prescribed by Practice  Note 8 

• Important considerations regarding Case Conference Meetings held to  discuss resolution of the parenting issue

Risk-management issues: 

• Service retainer agreements, informed  consent, and communicating with the Court 

• Views from a Justice of the Court of King's Bench with considerations  for mental-health professionals and lawyers