The mandate of the Working Group is to:

• build on previous reports in the course of exploring options for fundamental change, on a cost effective basis, to the family justice system in BC;

• consider the unified family court model and consider whether or not it is the preferred model for organizing BC’s family justice system;

• consider other methods or models of organizing the family justice system in BC;

• complete the research, analysis and consultation necessary to develop recommendations regarding the design of a family justice system that will meet the following criteria:

• accessible

• effective

• integrated

• fosters early resolution

• minimizes family conflict

• oriented to the needs of children and families;

• consider the best methods for the delivery of family justice services;

• consider how non-adversarial and settlement-oriented processes for families should be structured; and

• report on an interim basis to the JRTF as requested.