Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative Evaluation
Appendix A:
Data Collection Instruments
SFI Evaluation: Judicial Interview Questions
- I. Introduction
- Thank you for agreeing to participate in an interview discussing the needs of parents who are experiencing separation and divorce and the effectiveness and impacts of the federal Justice Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative (SFI). The SFI assists parents by providing support and funding to the provinces and territories for services such as government supported mediation, parent education after separation, child support enforcement services, supervised access, PLEI, research and related initiatives. The SFI also provides support for the development of federal policy and legislation such as the Divorce Act and the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
- II. Interview Questions
- What are the most important needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- How well are these being met by SFI supported family justice programs such as parent education, mediation, supervised access, child support enforcement and PLEI?
- What gaps in services exist? Could you comment on whether access to family justice services and programs has improved since 2009 for families with specific needs such as those from cultural or linguistic minorities or in relation to high conflict parents?
- Since 2009, do you feel current federal legislation such as that governing divorce, the Child Support Guidelines and other support mechanisms has kept pace with the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce? What issues, if any, related to legislation need to be addressed?
- How effective are SFI-supported family justice services and programs at helping increase parental awareness of their custody, access and support responsibilities? Have you noticed a change in the level of parent awareness in this regard since 2009?
- Since 2009, do parents who appear before you seem to be more informed about the family justice system and alternatives to the formal court process?
- How effective are SFI-supported family justice services in helping parents comply with their custody, access and support responsibilities? Have you noticed changes in the extent to which parents are able to meet the terms of their custody, access and support agreements since 2009?
- Since 2009, do you feel the availability of services such as parent education after separation and mediation have led to parents being able to deal with more of their custody, access and support issues outside of court and in a more timely way?
- In what other ways do federal initiatives such as the SFI contribute to meeting the needs of parents experiencing separation and divorce or helping to increase the effectiveness of the family justice system?
Thank you for participating in this survey
SFI Evaluation Interview Guide: Provincial/Territorial Family Justice Respondents
- I. Respondent Information
- 1. Name and role(s) of respondent(s) participating in the interview:
- II. Respondent Perceptions on the Continuing Need for and Relevance of the SFI
- 2. What are the most significant needs of parents undergoing separation and divorce? Please comment on the needs of specific groups such as high conflict parents or parents with cultural/linguistic needs.
- 3. To what extent is the SFI addressing these needs?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- 4. What custody, access or support needs is the SFI addressing most effectively?
- 5. Please identify up to three programs or types of programs that you think most clearly exemplify best practice in addressing custody, access or support needs.
- 6. What areas of need are not being sufficiently or effectively addressed by the SFI?
- III. Respondent Perceptions on the Alignment of SFI with Government of Canada and Justice Canada / Mandate and Priorities
- 7. To what extent has the SFI furthered the Government of Canada's commitment which is articulated as (1) meeting the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce, (2) building a stronger society and (3) promoting respect for the law?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- 8. To what extent has the SFI helped promote a fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- 9. Please describe significant achievements in this area.
- 10. Please describe limitations or gaps in this area.
- 7. To what extent has the SFI furthered the Government of Canada's commitment which is articulated as (1) meeting the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce, (2) building a stronger society and (3) promoting respect for the law?
- IV. SFI Role in Strengthening the Capacity of Jurisdictions to Address the Needs of Families
- 11.
- A. To what extent has the SFI strengthened the capacity of the P/Ts to respond to the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. Please describe the most significant ways that the SFI has helped strengthen P/Ts capacity to address the needs of families.
- C. Please describe the most significant limitations in terms of the SFI's role in strengthening the capacity of the P/Ts to address the needs of families.
- A. To what extent has the SFI strengthened the capacity of the P/Ts to respond to the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- 12.
- A. How well is the SFI sustaining F/P/T partnerships and collaboration?
- Very well
- Quite well
- Somewhat well
- Not very well
- Not at all
- B. What aspects of F/P/T partnerships and collaboration have been most effectively developed and/or sustained?
- C. What aspects of F/P/T partnership and collaboration have been less well sustained?
- A. How well is the SFI sustaining F/P/T partnerships and collaboration?
- 11.
- V. Funding of Family Justice Programs and Services
- 13.
- A. How adequate has SFI funding been (since 2009) in terms of enhancing the ability of the P/Ts to deliver family justice services and programs?
- More than adequate
- Generally adequate
- Of marginal adequacy
- Inadequate
- Very inadequate
- B. Please identify areas where funding for family justice services and programs has been most effective.
- C. (If respondent answered c, d, e) Please identify one or two areas where the level of funding has not been sufficient to achieve SFI objectives.
- A. How adequate has SFI funding been (since 2009) in terms of enhancing the ability of the P/Ts to deliver family justice services and programs?
- 14. Since 2009 how would you describe the status of family justice services in your jurisdiction?
- Expanded
- Maintained
- Reduced
- 13.
- VI. Impact of Federal Policies, Program Delivery and Legislation under the SFI
- 15.
- A. How helpful have federal contributions been for the P/Ts in relation to support enforcement (e.g. systems management; SMEP and MEP; policy development)?
- Very helpful
- Quite helpful
- Somewhat helpful
- Not very helpful
- Not helpful at all
- B. What enforcement activities have been most helpful?
- C. What areas, if any, of support enforcement have been less well addressed under the SFI?
- A. How helpful have federal contributions been for the P/Ts in relation to support enforcement (e.g. systems management; SMEP and MEP; policy development)?
- 16. Please comment on the impacts of legislation-related initiatives at the federal level (e.g. Divorce Act, Child Support Guidelines, and Recalculation Services) on the ability of the P/Ts to meet the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce. What activities have had the most significant impact on addressing the needs of families? Please address in relation to the SFI and within a historical context.
- 17. Are there regulatory decisions or legislation that are still outstanding that have constrained or limited the achievement of SFI objectives?
- 15.
- VII. Accessibility of Family Justice Services and Programs
- 18.
- A. To what extent has the SFI been successful in helping promote access to family justice services and programs by specific populations such as those that are geographically isolated or who comprise linguistic or cultural minorities?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What specific approaches and initiatives have been used to promote access?
- C. What groups are being most effectively reached through SFI funded activities?
- D. What groups continue to have access problems?
- A. To what extent has the SFI been successful in helping promote access to family justice services and programs by specific populations such as those that are geographically isolated or who comprise linguistic or cultural minorities?
- 19.
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to promote access to family justice services and programs for families with high levels of conflict?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What specific approaches and initiatives have been used to promote access for high conflict parents?
- C. What areas of need in relation to this group are not being met?
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to promote access to family justice services and programs for families with high levels of conflict?
- 18.
- VIII. Respondent Perceptions of the Awareness /Capacity of Parents and Family Law Professionals
- 20.
- A. In terms of your perceptions, to what extent have the activities, services and programs funded under the SFI enhanced parental awareness of the family justice system?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the primary gaps in understanding or awareness that remain?
- A. In terms of your perceptions, to what extent have the activities, services and programs funded under the SFI enhanced parental awareness of the family justice system?
- 21.
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the awareness of family law professionals about services and programs available to separated/divorced parents?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the primary gaps in understanding or awareness that remain?
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the awareness of family law professionals about services and programs available to separated/divorced parents?
- 22.
- A. To what extent have the activities, services and programs funded by the SFI contributed to shifts in parenting attitudes?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extentv
- Unable to comment
- B. What attitudinal shifts in understanding have taken place among parents, and what has the role of the SFI been in creating this shift, if any?
- A. To what extent have the activities, services and programs funded by the SFI contributed to shifts in parenting attitudes?
- 23.
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways the SFI has helped enhance parental capacity to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- 20.
- IX. Respondent Perceptions on the SFI's Impact on Parental Compliance with Custody/Access
- 24.
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to build the capacity of parents to comply with their custody/access obligations?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways the SFI has contributed to parental compliance with custody/access obligations?
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to build the capacity of parents to comply with their custody/access obligations?
- 25.
- A. To what extent has the SFI contributed to parental compliance with their child support obligations?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways that the SFI has contributed to parental compliance with child support?
- A. To what extent has the SFI contributed to parental compliance with their child support obligations?
- 24.
- X. Respondent Perceptions about the Level of Parent Satisfaction with Family Justice Services
- 26.
- A. In general, to what degree do you feel parents are satisfied with the way family justice services and programs are provided?
- Very satisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Both satisfied and dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Very dissatisfied
- Unable to comment
- B. What services or aspects of services appear to result in the highest levels of satisfaction?
- C. What services or aspects of services appear to result in less satisfaction?
- A. In general, to what degree do you feel parents are satisfied with the way family justice services and programs are provided?
- 26.
SFI Evaluation: Interview Guide: FCY Respondents
- I. Respondent Information
- 1. Name and role(s) of respondents participating in the interview: Name(s), Unit, Position
- II. Respondent Perceptions on the Continuing Need for and Relevance of the SFI
- 2. What are the most significant needs of parents undergoing separation and divorce? Please comment on the needs of specific groups such as high conflict parents or parents with cultural/linguistic needs.
- 3. To what extent is the SFI addressing these needs?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- 4. What custody, access or support needs is the SFI addressing most effectively?
- 5. Please identify up to three programs or types of programs that you think most clearly exemplify best practice in addressing custody, access or support needs.
- 6. What areas of need are not being sufficiently or effectively addressed by the SFI?
- III. Respondent Perceptions on the Alignment of SFI with Government of Canada and Justice Canada / Mandate and Priorities
- 7. To what extent has the SFI furthered the Government of Canada's commitment which is articulated as (1) meeting the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce, (2) building a stronger society and (3) promoting respect for the law?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- 8. To what extent has the SFI helped promote a fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- 9. Please describe significant achievements in this area.
- 10. Please describe limitations or gaps in this area.
- 7. To what extent has the SFI furthered the Government of Canada's commitment which is articulated as (1) meeting the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce, (2) building a stronger society and (3) promoting respect for the law?
- IV. SFI Role in Strengthening Federal Capacity to Address Needs of Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce
- 11.
- A. To what extent has the SFI made progress towards strengthening the federal capacity to address the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. Please describe significant examples of how the SFI has strengthened federal capacity to address the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce.
- C. Please describe any significant limitations in terms of the federal capacity to respond to the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce.
- A. To what extent has the SFI made progress towards strengthening the federal capacity to address the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- 11.
- V. SFI Role in Strengthening the Capacity of Jurisdictions to Address the Needs of Families
- 12.
- A. To what extent has the SFI strengthened the capacity of the P/Ts to respond to the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. Please describe the most significant ways that the SFI has helped strengthen P/Ts capacity to address the needs of families.
- C. Please describe the most significant limitations in terms of the SFI's role in strengthening the capacity of the P/Ts to address the needs of families.
- A. To what extent has the SFI strengthened the capacity of the P/Ts to respond to the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce?
- 13.
- A. How well is the SFI sustaining F/P/T partnerships and collaboration?
- Very well
- Quite well
- Somewhat well
- Not very well
- Not at all
- B. What aspects of F/P/T partnerships and collaboration have been most effectively developed and/or sustained?
- C. What aspects of F/P/T partnership and collaboration have been less well sustained?
- A. How well is the SFI sustaining F/P/T partnerships and collaboration?
- 12.
- VI. Funding of Family Justice Programs and Services
- 14.
- A. How adequate has SFI funding been (since 2009) in terms of enhancing the ability of the P/Ts to deliver family justice services and programs?
- More than adequate
- Generally adequate
- Of marginal adequacy
- Inadequate
- Very inadequate
- Unable to comment
- B. Please identify areas where funding for family justice services and programs has been most effective.
- C. (If respondent answered c, d, e) Please identify one or two areas where the level of funding has not been sufficient to achieve SFI objectives.
- A. How adequate has SFI funding been (since 2009) in terms of enhancing the ability of the P/Ts to deliver family justice services and programs?
- 15. Please comment on the impacts of legislation-related initiatives at the federal level (e.g. Divorce Act, Child Support Guidelines, and Recalculation Services) on the ability of the P/Ts to meet the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce. What activities have had the most significant impact on addressing the needs of families? Please address in relation to the SFI and within a historical context.
- 16. Are there regulatory decisions or legislation that are still outstanding that have constrained or limited the achievement of SFI objectives?
- 14.
- VII. Accessibility of Family Justice Services and Programs
- 17.
- A. To what extent has the SFI been successful in helping promote access to family justice services and programs by specific populations such as those that are geographically isolated or who comprise linguistic or cultural minorities?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What specific approaches and initiatives have been used to promote access?
- C. What groups are being most effectively reached through SFI funded activities?
- D. What groups continue to have access problems?
- A. To what extent has the SFI been successful in helping promote access to family justice services and programs by specific populations such as those that are geographically isolated or who comprise linguistic or cultural minorities?
- 18.
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to promote access to family justice services and programs for families with high levels of conflict?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What specific approaches and initiatives have been used to promote access for high conflict parents?
- C. What areas of need in relation to this group are not being met?
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to promote access to family justice services and programs for families with high levels of conflict?
- 17.
- VIII. Respondent Perceptions of the Awareness /Capacity of Parents and Family Law Professionals
- 19.
- A. In terms of your perceptions, to what extent have the activities, services and programs funded under the SFI enhanced parental awareness of the family justice system?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the primary gaps in understanding or awareness that remain?
- A. In terms of your perceptions, to what extent have the activities, services and programs funded under the SFI enhanced parental awareness of the family justice system?
- 20.
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the awareness of family law professionals about services and programs available to separated/divorced parents?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the primary gaps in understanding or awareness that remain?
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the awareness of family law professionals about services and programs available to separated/divorced parents?
- 21.
- A. To what extent have the activities, services and programs funded by the SFI contributed to shifts in parenting attitudes?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What attitudinal shifts in understanding have taken place among parents, and what has the role of the SFI been in creating this shift, if any?
- A. To what extent have the activities, services and programs funded by the SFI contributed to shifts in parenting attitudes?
- 22.
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways the SFI has helped enhance parental capacity to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- A. To what extent have the activities of the SFI enhanced the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements?
- 19.
- IX. Respondent Perceptions on the SFI's Impact on Parental Compliance with Custody/Access
- 23.
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to build the capacity of parents to comply with their custody/access obligations?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways the SFI has contributed to parental compliance with custody/access obligations?
- A. To what extent has the SFI helped to build the capacity of parents to comply with their custody/access obligations?
- 24.
- A. To what extent has the SFI contributed to parental compliance with their child support obligations?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. What are the most significant ways that the SFI has contributed to parental compliance with child support?
- A. To what extent has the SFI contributed to parental compliance with their child support obligations?
- 23.
- X. Respondent Perceptions about the Level of Parent Satisfaction with Family Justice Services
- 25.
- A. In general, to what degree do you feel parents are satisfied with the way family justice services and programs are provided?
- Very satisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Both satisfied and dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Very dissatisfied
- Unable to comment
- B. What services or aspects of services appear to result in the highest levels of satisfaction?
- C. What services or aspects of services appear to result in less satisfaction?
- A. In general, to what degree do you feel parents are satisfied with the way family justice services and programs are provided?
- 25.
- XI. Related Issues
- 26.
- A. Overall, to what extent has your unit been able to achieve its objectives in relation to the SFI?
- To a very great extent
- To a great extent
- To a moderate extent
- To some extent
- To little or no extent
- Unable to comment
- B. Please identify up to three accomplishments of your unit that have most significantly advanced the objectives of the SFI.
- C. What barriers or constraints, if any, have affected your unit's contribution to the achievement of the SFI objectives (e.g. funding allocations, policy development, structural issues, relationship/communication with other divisions).
- A. Overall, to what extent has your unit been able to achieve its objectives in relation to the SFI?
- 26.
- XII. Resource Utilization
- 27. "Efficiency" concerns how resources are used to achieve certain objectives and whether their use is reasonable in light of the outcomes achieved, the nature and context of your operations, and what alternative approaches might be (or have been) considered. Considering the objectives of your unit, during the lifetime of the SFI …
- A. What are the main methods by which you assess the efficiency of your unit's allocation of resources?
- B. What is/are the main issue(s) around which you have had to make significant decisions concerning the most efficient allocation of resources?
- C. What internal or external factors have represented the greatest challenges to the efficient allocation of resources in the operations of your unit?
- D. What internal or external factors have helped most in regard to the efficient allocation of resources in the operations of your unit?
- E. Are there documents that refer specifically to any of these issues or factors that could assist our understanding?
- F. What recommendations would you make that would help improve the efficiency either of your unit's operation or of the SFI overall?
- 28. Please estimate the percentage of overall time that your unit allocates to the following three SFI activities. (These are approximations only; it is not expected that they be derived from any formal record-keeping.)
Leadership: % Investments: % Assistance: % Total: 100%
- 27. "Efficiency" concerns how resources are used to achieve certain objectives and whether their use is reasonable in light of the outcomes achieved, the nature and context of your operations, and what alternative approaches might be (or have been) considered. Considering the objectives of your unit, during the lifetime of the SFI …
SFI Evaluation Interview Guide: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics (CCJS) Respondents
- I. Respondent Information
- 1. Name of the respondent: first/last
- 2. Position:
- II. Respondent Perceptions on the Continuing Need for and Relevance of the SFI
- 3. What are the most significant needs of parents undergoing separation and divorce? Please comment on the needs of specific groups such as high conflict parents or parents with cultural/linguistic needs.
- 4. Justice Canada provides funding to the CCJS to help the P/T's develop and maintain their data collection systems so that they can effectively participate in the Maintenance Enforcement Survey and Survey of Maintenance Enforcement Programs (SMEP) survey. How helpful has this funding been as a way of maintaining and supporting these activities?
- Very helpful
- Quite helpful
- Somewhat helpful
- Not very helpful
- Not helpful at all
- 5. Is additional funding or work needed to ensure that all jurisdictions are able to participate in the survey and if so, please describe.
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