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Divorce and Children: How to Intervene ?

The Organization for the Protection of Children’s Rights (O.P.C.R.) organized a 1st International Conference on the Child in October 1988 with the following theme: «Divorce and Children: How to Intervene?».

This conference was held at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel in Montreal from the 26th to the 28th of October. It brought together psychologists, doctors, sociologists, anthropologists, social workers, lawyers, educators and judges from different countries. These individuals participated in over 30 workshops and 5 plenary sessions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Organization for the Protection of Children’s Rights is convinced that simple and efficient solutions exist to considerably reduce the unpleasant consequences and effects of divorce upon children. Here are the recommendations prepared by the O.P.C.R. as a result of the conference:

•	That the Education Ministry establishes an education program which teaches elementary and high school students about their future parental responsibilities;
•	That a reconciliation service be created for couples having difficulties which is accessible at all times through the Social Service Centers network;
•	That family mediation counseling be obligatory, which would highlight the importance of psychological, physical and financial involvement of both parties involved in a family break up. The judge responsible for their demand would refer them to family mediation (putting aside violence and/or sex abuse cases). The judge would subsequently study the mediation report and arrange a preparatory meeting between parties and attorneys. This family mediation service would operate under the auspices of the Family and Social Affairs Ministry;
•	That judges receive special training regarding matrimonial issues;
•	That the power of a judge be reinforced to reverse legal custody granted to a parent if he/she creates communication barriers between the child and the non custodial parent;
•	That inter-provincial agreements be made to counter unreasonable moving and child snatching;
•	That the rights of children born out of wedlock be standardized across Canada and the rules that define the prescription of alimony arrears be specified.

*Keynote speakers*
Maurice Champagne-Gilbert, Special Advisor to the Minister of Family, Health and Social affairs. Researcher and author of numerous books, such as "La famille et l’homme à délivrer du pouvoir". A. C. Hamilton, Associate Chief Justice of the Manitoba Queen’s Bench. One of the founders and promoters of family mediation in Canada. Neil Kalter, Michigan psychologist, researcher and professor, initiator of a type of intervention in the educational environment. Joan B. Kelly, California psychologist, family mediator, researcher, professor, co-author of "Surviving the Breakup: How Children and Parents Cope with Divorce".

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Riccardo Di Done, Founding President - O.P.C.R. Dr Francine Cyr, Psychology Department Montreal Children's Hospital Lorraine Fillion, Coordinator Psychosocial Expertise and Family Mediation Services Dr Paule Lamontagne, Psychologist Dr Thérèse Simard, Psychology Department Montreal Children's Hospital Dominic D'Abate, Social Worker, Honoré-Mercier School Liliane Dunsky-Spector, Institut de Psychiatrie Communautaire et Familiale / affiliated to the University of Montreal Daniel Labesse, Coordinator, Social works and community affairs, C.L.S.C Center-South Dr Jean-François Saucier, Psychology Department Ste-Justine Hospital Pierre Harvey Tremblay, Communication Center Rivière des Prairies Hospital

LEGAL COMMITTEE
Marcel Tremblay, Attorney Tremblay & Matteau Philip Shaposnick, Attorney Seal, Shaposnick Honorable Jeannine M. Rousseau, Judge Superior Court of Quebec Vincent Chiara, Attorney, Dominico, Chiara & Cavalière Marie Gaudreau, Attorney, Boisvert & Gaudreau Hugues Létourneau, Attorney, Litigation Deparment Yves Barron, Attorney Family Association Donald Gagnon, Attorney, Gagnon et Perreault

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Riccardo Di Done, Founding President - O.P.C.R. Dr Helen Amoriggi, Education Faculty, McGill University Dominic D'Abate, Representative Centre des Services Sociaux Ville-Marie Christine Dussault, C.S.S.M.M., Centre des Services Sociaux du Montréal Métropolitain Félix Méloul, C.E.P.G.M. Michèle Comeau, Education Faculty, University of Montreal Jules H. Levasseur, Education Coordinator Baldwin-Cartier School Councel Marthe Desautels, Education Consultant C.E.C.M. Dr Heather Trump. Education Faculty, McGill University

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Riccardo Di Done, Founding President - O.P.C.R. Dominic D'Abate, Social Worker, Honoré-Mercier School Dr Jean-François Saucier, Psychiatry Department, Ste-Justine Hospital Marcel Tremblay, Attorney, Tremblay & Matteau Tommy D'Errico, Board of Directors Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Gaston Bussière, Director, Association des Parents Catholiques du Québec Helen Amoriggi, Director - Education Faculty, McGill University Jules Levasseur, Education Coordinator, McGill University Serge Pineault, Optimist Club

The Organization for the Protection of Children’s Rights thanks all its participants, as well as the numerous volunteers and the staff of the O.P.C.R. who made the 1st International Conference on the Child a success.