A safety screening that shapes how your parenting coordinator works - Part 2

Reading beats rewinding

This explanation reflects the interpretation of the writer only and is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for an explanation of your own contract. Interpretations may vary, and the BC Court is the ultimate decider of what the terms of a contract mean. This information is offered for general guidance only. If you disagree with anything here, feedback is welcome. Family Violence Screening Why does the Parenting Coordinator ask questions about family violence during intake? Family violence screening is an important part of the Parenting Coordination process. The purpose is to determine whether Parenting Coordination is appropriate and, if so, how the process should be structured to be safe and effective. Is the screening process about deciding who is the good parent and who is the bad parent? No. Screening is not an investigation and is not about assigning blame. The goal is to understand family dynamics, communication challenges, safety concerns, and any factors that may affect participation in the process. What does "family violence" mean in this context? Family violence can include physical violence, but it may also involve fear, intimidation, coercive behaviour, controlling conduct, threats, or significant power imbalances that affect a parent's ability to participate safely and effectively. Why do Parenting Coordinators often meet with parents separately at the beginning? Separate intake meetings allow parents to discuss sensitive issues more openly. Parents may feel more comfortable raising safety concerns, family violence issues, or personal vulnerabilities without the other parent present. What happens if a parent raises a concern during screening? The information is assessed carefully. In some cases, additional safeguards may be put in place. In other situations, the Parenting Coordinator may conclude that Parenting Coordination is not appropriate. Every family is different. Does identifying a concern automatically end Parenting Coordination? No. Screening is designed to gather information, not jump to conclusions. Many concerns can be managed through adjustments to the process or additional protective measures. Why is screening considered so important? Screening helps the Parenting Coordinator understand the family's needs, risks, and challenges before disputes are addressed. It plays an important role in determining how the file should be managed. Can you give an example? A family dealing primarily with scheduling disagreements may require a very different process than a family with serious communication difficulties, fear, intimidation, or significant power imbalances. Screening helps identify those differences. Does screening only happen at the beginning of the file? No. Screening is an ongoing responsibility. Family circumstances can change, and new information may emerge during the appointment. Parenting Coordinators continually assess suitability, participation, and safety concerns throughout the process. Why should parents pay attention to this part of the Agreement if they don't think family violence applies to them? Because screening is not about blame. It is about ensuring that the process is appropriate, effective, and tailored to the family's circumstances. Understanding the purpose of screening helps parents better understand why certain questions are asked during intake. What's the key takeaway? Family violence screening is one of the foundations of Parenting Coordination. Its purpose is not to assign blame but to ensure that the process is safe, appropriate, and structured in a way that best meets the needs of the family.