Browsing Global Resistance resource library

From the Ad Hoc Custody & Access Coalition, Vancouver

in , ,

The scenario for British Columbia: 

In BC, the Provincial Consultations on Child Custody & Access will focus on three key issues: 
1. New terminology and concepts of shared parental responsibility. 
2. "Family Violence" 
3. Responsible Access 
These issues are extremely important to women and children and will have a deep impact on their lives.

What you can do:

Things will unfold quickly. The more prepared we are to act and respond, the better.

Key ideas are: 

  • Make a commitment in your group to respond as best you can. Talk to everyone now. Make sure you have the support you need to move forward.
  • If you can write a brief, start writing it now.
  • If you have already written a brief, write a letter updating or re?introducing it.
  • If you cannot write a brief or presentation, write a letter outlining your concerns. State what you find wrong and right about the Divorce Act, or write about the situation women and children face with custody & access arrangements.
  • You can also write a letter endorsing a brief some other group has written---send the brief with your letter. You will find briefs written by various groups---National Association of Women & the Law; Ad Hoc Committee on Child Custody & Access (Vancouver), on the WJN website at www.web.net/~wjn/
  • Spread the word. Tell as many women and groups as you can about provincial actions. Assist them where you can with information---e.g. when, where, how. Or refer them to us.
  • Educate yourself We will be sending you resource sheets of useful resources and web sites. Watch for it.
  • Find links with others working on the provincial consultations. Stay in touch with the Ad Hoc Child Custody & Access Coalition in Vancouver thru vcasaa@hotmail.com; join groups possible actions that may arise. Join the Women's Justice Network at wjn@web.net.
  • Organize and support each other to advocate for custody and access reform. Form a coalition in your community. For example, women in Vancouver formed the Ad Hoc Coalition on Custody & Access. It meets monthly to create resources, support each other, and share information. This action sheet is an example of an action to increase women & womenserving organizations' participation. We also hope to reach other groups around the province and nationally by piggy-backing on existing mailing lists.
  • Stay tuned for further ideas on how to harness our power and mobilize for change!