FAMILY JUSTICE CENTRES TAKING PHONE CALLS ONLY

In-person visits to family justice centres, including the one in Prince George, have been suspended due to the novel coronavirus pandemic but help will continue to be provided by telephone, the Ministry of the Attorney General said.

The centre in Prince George can be reached by calling 250-565-4222 or 1-888668-1602.

Clients with appointments already scheduled with family justice counsellors or child support officers will be contacted directly by the local offices to discuss options for how that appointment can proceed.

Likewise, the family justice report service is no longer meeting with families or doing home visits. Parties have been contacted and advised that their meetings and home visits have been cancelled and will be re-booked when it is considered safe to do so.

In cases where all home visits and interviews have occurred, the FJRS writer will complete the report and send it to both parties, legal counsel and court.

“These measures are being taken as a precaution to support the health and safety of staff, clients, families and the community at large. The situation in BC is changing rapidly,” the statement said. “We will continue to carefully assess the viability of all our service delivery options; and be responsive in our approach to service delivery as things evolve. We recognize the importance of maintaining open communication with stakeholders to support the families we serve; and are available for any questions that you or those you work with may have.”