On April 21, 2017 Janneke Lewis co-chaired a seminar on behalf of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC entitled When the Home is not a Haven – Protecting the Child.
The seminar addressed the intersection of family law, criminal law and the Ministry of Children and Families in cases where children experience or witness violence. Often times, these three areas of the law act independently. The speakers at this seminar provided an overview of these three areas and also an overview of the complex issues of aboriginal children who are disproportionately represented in the care of the Ministry.
The participants came away from the conference with a better understanding of how family law, criminal law and the protection laws can be used to complement each other and protect the child, and how we can work together for the best interests of the child.
Family violence is difficult for families to navigate and usually throws a family into crisis. A lawyer versed in all three areas of the law is essential in these cases.
