Justice Reform Initiatives ~ Early Solutions, Faster Justice

Family Justice Reform Projects

Mandatory Parenting After Separation Program

Parenting After Separation (PAS) is a 3-hour information session sponsored by the Ministry of Attorney General to help separating parents make informed choices about separation and conflict, taking into account the best interest of their children. It was first offered on a voluntary basis in 1994.

In 1998 mandatory PAS sessions were piloted in the Burnaby and New Westminster provincial courts requiring attendance where an original order, or a variation of an existing order, for child custody, access, guardianship or child support is sought. In mandatory PAS both parents must attend before their first court appearance. Parents do not attend PAS sessions together, whether attendance is voluntary or mandatory.

The court may grant exemption from the requirement to attend where a matter is urgent. In some cases exemption is automatic; for example, where a consent order is filed which resolves all issues involving children, or where the person has attended a PAS session in the preceding 24 months.

Following positive evaluation of the mandatory PAS pilot, Rule 21 of the Provincial Court (Family) Rules was enacted in 2001 mandating attendance at PAS sessions at designated registries. Attendance is now mandatory in 13 registries.

For more information about the mandatory PAS Program see the "Parenting After Separation Bulletin" on the Dispute Resolution Office website or read the mandatory PAS pilot evaluation report. [PDF]