OBA Child & Youth Law PROGRAM | Original Program Date: May 27, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched on, family and criminal courts have had to adapt to ensure meaningful access to justice remains a reality. For matters involving children and youth, the need for innovative solutions is even more pressing. Enhanced privacy protections and highly sensitive subject matter, however, require that innovation be carefully and prudently utilized in these matters. Please join us for a lively discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of virtual proceedings involving children and youth. Hear about recent initiatives taking place in both family and youth criminal court across the province, as we explore:

• The law of virtual proceedings: Provisions addressing virtual proceedings in the Family Law Rules, the Criminal Code of Canada, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
• What’s changed in the Ontario Court of Justice? Practice directives and local procedures related to children and youth
• Advantages and disadvantages of virtual proceedings
• Why matters involving children and young persons require special attention, and key considerations
• How to best prepare for a virtual hearing involving children and young persons
• When to insist on an in-person proceeding, and what that practically means in the current environment

PROGRAM CHAIR

Brock Jones, Crown Attorney's Office

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

The Honourable Manjusha Pawagi, Ontario Court of Justice
Geoff Carpenter, Carpenter Family Law
Emma Rhodes, Child and Youth Lawyer