Inside Luke’s Place 12th Annual FCSW Gathering
Luke’s Place held its 12th Annual Family Court Support Worker (FCSW) Gathering this past November. Over two impactful days, 54 FCSWs from across Ontario, representing 35 organizations, came together to connect and learn.
Since 2011, Luke’s Place has led training for Ontario’s FCSWs, funded originally by the Ministry of the Attorney General and now by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
This year’s training featured an impressive lineup of speakers, engaging workshops, and insightful discussions, all of which provided invaluable tools and knowledge for those dedicated to supporting women leaving intimate partner violence.
Key highlights from the 12th Annual FCSW Gathering
Keynote Speaker
Independent Special Interlocutor, Kimberly Murray delivered a powerful address on Truth and Reconciliation, emphasizing its connection to gender-based violence. Ms. Murray’s presentation was a profound call to action, reminding us of the critical work needed to achieve meaningful reconciliation.
Resource
Women’s Shelters Canada
Director of Knowledge Exchange at Women’s Shelters Canada, Leah Stuart-Sheppard shared critical information around technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), which impacts over 90% of survivors, and shared practical tools from Tech Safety Canada.
Resources
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Lawyers Yasimine Abuzgaya and Zara Mercer discussed immigration options for victims of family violence upon sponsorship breakdown. A comprehensive overview was provided including topics on the impact of sponsorship breakdowns on survivors and their children; common immigration pathways available to survivors for both temporary and permanent status in Canada; and how to support survivors facing intersectional legal issues.
Resources
- Luke’s Place Webinar: Intersecting Legal Issues
Luke’s Place
Samantha Warden, Knowledge Mobilization Manager, and Micah Kalisch, Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, led an impactful workshop on the importance of self-care in our work, helping us show up in a more sustainable way for our clients and communities.
A panel of experienced lawyers and a legal support worker from Luke’s Place broke down the complexities of court forms, while clarifying the significant difference between legal information and legal advice. Attendees received a comprehensive resource guide on the most common family court forms.
Resources
- After She Leaves – Self-care section
- Family Court Operations & Services Guide
- Family Court and Beyond
Looking Ahead!
The 12th Annual FCSW Gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for the FCSW community to come together, connect, share experiences, and learn. Attendees left with valuable insights, strengthened relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply their newfound knowledge and connections to their important work. The power of community was clearly felt by all participants. One attendee reflected:
“Connecting with other court support professionals, hearing their experiences, and recognizing the shared challenges within our roles. It was inspiring to discuss potential solutions and discover new approaches.”
Beyond the professional insights, the gathering also fostered personal connections and understanding. Another attendee shared:
“Meeting others in the same position, socializing, and feeling truly understood was incredibly rewarding.”
See you at the next Annual Gathering on November 4th and 5th, 2025!
