London Family Court Clinic

About London Family Court Clinic

London Family Court Clinic is a registered charity and non-profit organization located on Pall Mall Street in downtown London. Serving children, youth, and their families involved in the justice system across Ontario, the clinic provides youth justice and clinical support services. The organization aims to build resiliency in those it serves, helping them move forward and achieve better outcomes beyond the justice system. The clinic offers a wide range of services, including prevention and intervention, consultations, assessments, court testimony, and alternative dispute resolution. Specific programs include the Child Victim Witness Program for children testifying in criminal court, the Youth Therapeutic Court for connecting youth with mental health supports, and the Multidisciplinary Clinical Supports Program, which features a mobile team of professionals. They also provide Youth Justice Assessments, such as Section 34 assessments, and offer family services through Navigating Onward, which includes clinical assessments, forensic assessments, therapies, and separation and divorce services. Additionally, the clinic operates the Beacon House Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, a safe space for victims of abuse, and the ADR-Link, which connects Children's Aid Societies with alternative dispute resolution professionals. Established in 1974, the clinic originated from a proposal by Judge Maurice H. Genest to create a family court in London. The initiative was propelled forward by Dr. Naomi Rae-Grant, who secured essential funding from the Ministry of Health. While the agency was previously known as the Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System, it returned to its original name in 2014 to reflect its long-standing reputation. The clinic is currently led by Executive Director Joelene Bamford. It is funded through various government ministries, research and project grants, and charitable donations. The organization also provides opportunities for professionals, students, and volunteers to engage in community work.