Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
News | October 23, 2026
Nominate a deserving colleague for an OBA Award
Each year, the Ontario Bar Association honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our profession, our association and the broader justice community. These awards shine a light on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the legal profession, advance access to justice, support their colleagues and build a better justice system.
Article | October 22, 2026
What is a Kinship Placement?
An aunt and uncle are caring for their nephew, and they have been told by the children’s aid society (CAS) involved that they are considered a “Kin Placement” but there is no court order. What is this exactly? What is the legal authority for this placement? When does it end? How do you create a permanent plan for the future? The answer is: it depends on the pathway the CAS has chosen to facilitate this placement.
Article | October 19, 2026
Exciting Upcoming OBA Child and Youth Law Section Opportunities for the 2026/2027 Term
This article covers the OBA Child and Youth Law Section's upcoming events and opportunities to become involved this term.
Article | October 16, 2026
Starting with the Child: Children’s Meaningful Participation in Family Law Matters
At the OBA’s Seventeenth Annual Bread & Butter Issues in Family Law program on September 24, 2026, Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, Adjunct Research Professor and Distinguished University Professor Emerita at King’s University College, Western University, and Caterina (Cathy) Tempesta, Counsel at the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, jointly delivered a presentation to attendees on children’s participation rights, the different ways children may be heard, and the importance of treating their views as the beginning of a child-centred inquiry. This article summarizes some of the key principles and practice tips provided during this session.
Advocacy | October 12, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 12
Toronto Written Consent Release Pilot Project: Effective October 19th, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project in Toronto that allows for out of Court written consent release orders to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office.
