The Law Society of Singapore and the FJC jointly organised the inaugural Therapeutic Justice Annual Meet (TJAM) on the evening of 14 September 2022. Held after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, this physical networking event provided an opportunity for the first batch of graduates from the Family Therapeutic Justice (TJ) Certification Programme, members of the Family Conference 2022 organising committee and family judges, as well as colleagues from the Singapore Academy of Law and MSF to catch up with each other. About 60 participants attended this lively event at the Supreme Court.
In her opening remarks, Justice Debbie Ong, Presiding Judge of the FJC, called all who were gathered “precious TJ champions”. They had answered the call made back in her FJC Workplan 2020 speech for a renewed vision of family justice informed by TJ principles. By building strong TJ software, they had equipped judges, the family bar and ecosystem partners with the mindset and tools to more effectively help litigants focus on problem-solving and moving on to a more hopeful future for themselves.
On the part of the family bar, it was heartening that the first batch of graduates from the Family TJ Certification Programme comprised a spectrum of seasoned as well as relatively younger practitioners. Interactions during the course sessions had reportedly been rich and engaging. While there was a shared consensus among programme participants that TJ outcomes are desirable, they grappled with how TJ principles can be practised in the context of client engagement and various court processes from mediation to hearings.
As noted by the Presiding Judge, TJ is not about ensuring everyone feels good and has their way. TJ does not replace principles of law and due process. Rather, it is about how the law and processes are administered to achieve TJ outcomes for the whole family. In addition, Justice Ong reminded those present to remember the importance of self-care as they work together on this challenging journey.
The aim of the TJAM is to provide a helpful platform for TJ champions to gather, exchange insights and war stories, and encourage one another. This will hopefully spark a core group of passionate TJ practitioners who can influence other family practitioners to join in this non-adversarial way of approaching family cases. The inaugural TJAM was certainly a first step towards co-creating a unique family justice system in Singapore that truly meets the needs of our community.
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Last updated on 21 September 2023.