Justice Education Society of British Columbia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2009
Contact: Dave Nolette       
604.660.1943; Dave.Nolette(@)JusticeEducation.ca    

New Website Helps Kids Deal With Family Break-up
KidsBC.ca Provides Interactive, Virtual World

Vancouver, BC – The Justice Education Society has launched a new online resource that will help children whose parents are separating. KidsBC.ca provides an interactive, virtual world – called Changeville – to give children tools and information that will help diminish the fears and anxiety they may feel.

The animated website was designed for primarily for kids, but it will also provide parents and professionals with a unique tool to help children navigate the emotional turmoil of divorce and separation. Since it is web-based, the site will reach virtually all British Columbians, as well as other English-speaking children worldwide.

KidsBC.ca is completely unique in its design and continues the Justice Education Society’s pioneering work in the area of online resources for children experiencing family break-up. The world of Changeville is presented as a place to explore that allows kids to apply information about the emotional and legal process they are involved in and anchor it to their own lives.

The site is flush with educational activities because children learn best by doing. Some key topics the activities support include:
•    What feelings do kids commonly experience
•    How can they better navigate the family break up
•    What is the legal process all about
•    How can they cope with the changes
•    Who can help, if they feel lost
•    Messages for coping

KidsBC.ca is needed because there are limited online resources for children whose parents are separating or have already divorced. FamiliesChange.ca remains a leading source of information in BC, Canada and beyond. KidsBC.ca compliments this site and enhances content for children aged 6 to 12.

The project was funded by the Department of Justice Canada and produced in collaboration with the Justice Education Society, Mobidextrous, Bountiful Films and registered clinical counsellor Deborah Brakeley.

About the Law Courts Education Society
Since 1989, the Law Courts Education Society (LCES) has been dedicated to improving access to the legal system through hands-on, targeted, two-way education between the public and those working in the justice system. As a non-profit organization with ongoing public and private sector financial and volunteer support, the LCES is able to offer a unique and comprehensive collection of justice related educational services and effectively work towards creating a justice system that is accessible to all.

-30-

For more information please contact:
Dave Nolette at 604.660.1943 or Dave.Nolette(@)JusticeEducation.ca