Campaign Launched to Support a Program that Helps Saskatchewan Families

Released on November 12, 2015

A program that aims to minimize the effect of separation and divorce on family members, especially children, is being profiled in a social media campaign. Over the next two weeks, the Family Matters: Assisting Families through Separation and Divorce program will be profiled on Facebook and YouTube, including a video emphasizing the impact on children and how the program can help families resolve these situations. The campaign is designed to ensure families who could benefit from the program are aware of the services available to them.

“I am incredibly proud this program is helping families who are experiencing a separation or divorce,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “Although a large number of individuals have received help, we know there are more families who would benefit from this type of assistance.”

Since the program launched last fall, roughly 450 individuals have sought help through the three-year pilot project.

“Early intervention can help ease some of the challenges that both parents and their children face during this transitional time in their lives,” Family Matters Service Provider Coralee Peterson said. “Parents have shared with sincerity and appreciation on how involvement in the program has positively impacted their family system as a whole.”

The program, which was provided nearly $1.3 million in funding from the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, offers families in transition access to an early, affordable and informal opportunity to resolve issues. The program also assists couples without children.

“We commend the ongoing work of the Family Matters program,” Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Executive Director Bob Watt said. “Couples seeking help are provided high quality information and a cost effective way to access the justice system during a separation or divorce.”

The program is currently available in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina and Moose Jaw. A province-wide expansion is expected in April 2016.

For more information, call 1-844-863-3408 or email familymatters@gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jordan Jackle
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jordan.jackle@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-4608

NT4