It gives me great hope that with Ms. Turpel-Lafond in the newly created position of child advocate, will be allowed to factor in FASD (Fetal Alcohol Sprectrum Disorder) as one of the main reasons things have gotten as bad as they have in our soicety.

Thank you Ms. Turpel-Lafond for being a pioneer in bringing FASD into the forefront in Saskatchewan.

There is a lot to be hopeful about with Ms Turpel-Lafond as child advocate. It is early days yet and I especially appreciate her willingness to talk to British Columbians through the media as she did today and also through a very interesting interview on CBC radio recently. It is evident that, unlike others associated with child/youth through the BC government, Ms Turpel-Lafond won't be working in secret. It is evident that she also knows about which she speaks!!

Is there any level at which parents sharing custody of children, MUST, find some structured means of communication regarding the development of these kids. I am so tired of hearing of bitter ex-partners who feel that "what they do with the kids on their own time is no ones business" How do you co-ordinate toilet training (and methods), Why should one parent be able to involve children in "dangerous" activities (eg. snowboarding, or take them out of town at two years of age) without even the knowledge of the other parent. More importantly who is there to talk to when a three year old reports that "Dad is always mad at me, just cause I'm there" "Dad hits me in the face" "Dad told me to say not to cut my hair, cause it looks stupid" It's a sad fact that some people ask for joint custody, just to hurt their former partner, and then role play affection for the child only in public. When they are alone with the child they don't sound as "nice" Family court is there for people who are not intimidated by their former partners, and can afford lawyers. ALL our kids need protecting, not just the ones who are damaged enough to make the news.