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Saskatchewan expands Family Matters separation and divorce program

Family matters, a pilot program to help minimize the effect of separation and divorce, is being expanded across Saskatchewan.
Family matters, a pilot program to help minimize the effect of separation and divorce, is being expanded across Saskatchewan. Global News

Divorce is never easy, but following a successful pilot program, the Saskatchewan government is expanding a program that may help.

Family Matters is aimed at providing counselling, education on legal resources and ideally settling out of court for couples.

READ MORE: Bringing divorce into the 21st century

Another facet of the program is not just helping couples, but kids too.

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“What we know about children is the less stress, the less conflict, the better they can manoeuvre through the system,” said Robbi Behr, an assistant director with Saskatchewan’s family justice services.

“So we’re hoping this becomes a process that isn’t damaging to children and the adults.”

The program was provided with nearly $1.3 million in funding from the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan.

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“We are pleased to see the province-wide expansion of the Family Matters program,” said Bob Watt, executive director of Law Foundation of Saskatchewan.

“Those involved with the delivery of the program continue to do an excellent job helping those going through separation and divorce.”

The three-year pilot program, which was only available in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, was launched in November 2013.

Since then, hundreds of people have received assistance through the program and 83 problem solving sessions have been held.

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