Module 1A: Therapeutic Justice – Social Science Perspective

This module delves into the social science perspective and highlights the importance of Therapeutic Justice (TJ) in minimizing the negative impacts of divorce. It emphasises the role of the lawyer in connecting social science perspectives to divorce and family disputes. Participants learn to tap into their soft skills, holistically assess the family's situation, and consider the viability of therapeutic interventions and alternative dispute resolution methods. 

The module also highlights the long-term impact of the divorce lawyer's work in supporting clients and their families, aiming for fair and consensual divorce settlements, promoting co-parenting, and addressing access difficulties.

Module 1B: Therapeutic Justice – The Therapeutic Agent
This module focuses on Therapeutic Justice (TJ) as a mindset and system that aims to achieve therapeutic outcomes through rules, procedures, and the behavior of legal actors. Participants learn to appreciate the benefits of TJ practice, including improved well-being, healing, empowerment, and overall enhancement of families' lives. 

The module highlights the three aims of TJ: (1) holistic and interdisciplinary, to addressing both legal and non-legal needs, (2) restorative and supportive, to repair and support family life, and (3) forward-looking, to help families stabilise and adjust. It highlights the distinguishing features of a TJ-oriented system, including respect for the law and due process, parties' participation, non-adversarial problem-solving, and multi-disciplinary both upstream and downstream.

3 hours 15 mins 

Module 2: Therapeutic Justice in and out of the Courtroom

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of Therapeutic Justice (TJ) in the family justice system. Participants recap current procedures and policies in the Family Justice Court (FJC) and explore various options available to clients, such as multi-disciplinary teams, judge-led approach, expert panels, and social services. They learn how TJ hardware and software work together to achieve a TJ system and interpret substantive and procedural law in line with TJ-oriented outcomes. 

The module emphasizes the evolving nature of the TJ ecosystem and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Participants gain insights into the role of family lawyers in promoting the philosophy of caring for the family and supporting clients through the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme and counseling sessions. They also learn how to assist the court constructively as a TJ-minded counsel and differentiate between TJ and non-TJ approaches in courtroom advocacy. By the end of the module, participants understand the direction of the family justice system towards a TJ-oriented approach and the benefits it offers. 

6 hours 30 mins

Module 3: The TJ Practitioner

This module focuses on developing and applying interpersonal skills necessary for a collaborative, Therapeutic Justice (TJ) approach in family practice. Participants learn to enhance their mental health literacy to identify red flags in clients' mental health and provide appropriate referrals. They gain an understanding of effective interpersonal skills, such as active listening, motivational interviewing, trust-building, and empathy, for managing clients.
The module also covers managing high-conflict personalities and de-escalating situational crises in family law cases, the role of mediation in family disputes, the challenges of TJ-oriented family practice and how to overcome them at various stages of a family dispute. Knowledge and skills acquired in previous modules will be synthesised to ensure that the participants can apply them effectively in their practice moving forward.

3 hours 45 mins