Inventory of Government-Based Family Justice Services

Focus On Communication In Separation (FOCIS) (Alberta)

Province/Territory
Alberta

Type of service
Parent Education and Information

Services offered
Focus on Communication in Separation (FOCIS) is a six hour, skill-based course teaching parents how to communicate effectively while living apart. FOCIS aims to enhance the communication skills of parents, reduce parental conflict and improve long term outcomes for children. Parents completing the course will be able to decrease tension and stress for themselves and their children by reducing conflict through improved communication and problem solving skills. Parents attend separate groups so each parent has a safe place to learn and practice new skills. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the course.

Course topics include:

  • Impact of parental conflict on children
  • Importance of listening
  • Understanding conflict, conflict styles and conflict cycles
  • Effective use of questions, paraphrases and summarizing techniques
  • Mindsets and perceptions
  • Anger

Pilot or ongoing service
Ongoing service

Department responsible
Resolution and Court Administration Services, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

How to access this service
You may contact the program yourself, or a family court counsellor, a mediator, a lawyer, or the Court can refer you.

Locations:
To find locations and contact information go to: http://www.alberta.ca/focis.cfm

Language(s)
English

Publications/information
Resolution and Court Administration Services

Focus on Communication in Separation

Costs
No charge

Governing legislation/legislative authority
If attendance is court directed: Family Law Act Part 4 Section 98-Courses and Programs

Contact person(s)

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