As AFCC prepares to welcome the insightful, deeply principled, and quietly formidable Hon. Dolores A. Bomrad as its next President at the upcoming conference in New Orleans, I find myself reflecting on a year of meaningful growth, collaboration, and transition. It has been an honour (with Canadian spelling 😊) to serve the AFCC community, a group that continues to lead with integrity and clarity in the ever-evolving field of family law and conflict resolution.

At the forefront of our work this year has been a renewed commitment to addressing family violence with greater clarity, courage, and compassion. We know that violence, especially coercive control and psychological abuse, can profoundly shape the lives of children and families; yet the impact of violence can be overlooked or misunderstood within legal and clinical processes. That is why I am especially proud of the upcoming AFCC Online Family Violence Training, titled “Safety First: Strengthening Family Law Responses to Violence and Coercive Control,” taking place in June 2025. This two-day, 15.5-hour program brings together leading experts to address trauma-informed screening, risk assessment, parenting plans, judicial responses, and cultural barriers to safety and justice. It reflects the collective will of our community to ensure that recognizing harm is not enough. We must also be equipped to reduce it.
 
This training is part of a broader movement within AFCC to build knowledge and capacity across professions. Our webinar series has maintained consistent participation levels this year, providing high-quality, accessible education on a wide range of topics, from neurodivergence in parenting plans to trauma-informed court interventions. These offerings are not only responsive to current needs; they are also shaping the future of interdisciplinary practice.
 
Another important step forward has been the continuation of the AFCC Peace Talks initiative. Initially launched in 2023, the AFCC Peace Talks is our effort to depolarize the highly charged conversations surrounding parent-child contact issues. This year’s sessions in Columbus, Ohio, brought together diverse voices committed to fostering child-centered, solution-oriented dialogue. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The AFCC Peace Talks have reminded us that deep listening and respectful disagreement are not signs of weakness; they are the foundation of progress.
 
Several task forces have advanced our collective mission this year. The Parent Education Task Force has been actively enhancing parent education programs across jurisdictions, aiming to modernize these resources with a strong focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and evidence-informed practices. The Mediation Task Force, which is nearing completion, has diligently worked to develop updated guidance that reflects the evolution of family mediation practices and addresses new challenges in practice, process design, and power dynamics. In the final days of my presidency, I am also pleased to appoint the new Court-Involved Therapy Task Force, which will take on the important task of updating the 2010 guidelines. As clinical, legal, and therapeutic roles continue to intersect, our guidance must reflect the latest developments in trauma science, ethics, and best practices. I am confident that these task forces will carry their work forward with the care and rigour it demands.
 
This has also been a year of organizational transition as we welcomed Bryan Altman as AFCC’s new Executive Director. Bryan has brought a fresh vision, professionalism, a deep understanding of our mission and friendship. From day one, he has supported new initiatives, expanded member engagement, and helped lay the groundwork for AFCC’s longevity. His leadership has been steady, future-focused, and grounded in the values that have always made AFCC a name brand that can be trusted as representing high-quality information and education to the professionals who serve children and families in our communities.
 
Personally, I have been humbled and inspired by the many conversations I have had with members throughout the year. Whether in person at conferences, virtually during webinars, or through committee work, I have witnessed the extraordinary dedication, creativity, and generosity that define this organization. The challenges we face, including family violence, polarization, legal inequities, and systemic bias, are significant. However, we confront them together with a shared belief in the possibility of better outcomes for children and families.
 
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I look forward to continuing this work alongside you all and to supporting the next generation of leadership as they carry AFCC forward.

Michael A. Saini, PhD, MSW, RSW

President, AFCC