Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are issues of critical significance, both in the broader world and within Collaborative Divorce Toronto.
Equity
We acknowledge that people do not experience the same level of access to resources and opportunities; therefore, we strive to adopt practices that enable all CDT members to have an equal voice and standing in the CDT community.
Diversity
We acknowledge that systemic discrimination is pervasive and integrated into every system in Canada. We strive to maximize access to resources and training for all those interested in becoming CDT members.
Inclusion
At CDT, we recognize the importance of meaningful change within our own organization and we are currently implementing EDI programs and policies that increase our competencies and create space for members from diverse communities.
EDI Initiatives
EDI Committee
Our EDI Committee is dedicated to moving us from aspirational goals to concrete action and initiatives that will address and remove impediments and barriers. We strive to have our membership reflect all of the families and communities that we serve.
EDI Consultant
We have engaged an EDI Consultant to further our work to become ever more inclusive and fair to all in order to ensure that our core collaborative values are reflected in all aspects of the work we do. We need to live up to our promise and our potential.
EDI programs and trainings
Our EDI programs and trainings for members create a space for community learning, dialogue and awareness. We are grateful to our CDT members who have participated in these enlightening, sometimes difficult conversations, as we deepen our understanding and grow together.
Scholarship Program in 2023
CDT is also establishing a Scholarship Program in 2023 to support members of diverse communities to participate in the collaborative process by offering a scholarship to 5 successful applicants towards Collaborative Process training and a 1-year free membership to CDT.
For more information, please email: [email protected].
The EDI committee is actively reaching out to diverse communities to seek participation from a greater number of individuals from under-represented and equity seeking groups.
We know that there is still much work to do. We are implementing mandatory EDI training for all CDT members, and we will continue to make equity, diversity and inclusion a regular component of our trainings and programs as part of our pledge to foster meaningful cultural change.
Karlene Grant
Karlene Grant is a Black woman of Caribbean descent who works with adults, children, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds. She specializes in guiding individuals toward meaningful change to improve their relationships, lives, and mental health. As a trained family professional in collaborative practice, Karlene helps parents enhance communication skills and work together for the well-being of their children. Her decision to join Collaborative Divorce Toronto was driven by her commitment to supporting individuals during challenging times and serving as a vital resource for culturally diverse families.
Karlene's expertise includes preparing parenting plans, Section 30 reports, conducting reunification therapy, and completing Voice of the Child reports. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic modalities.
Joe Sheridan
Joe is an enthusiastic collaborative law practitioner, and formerly sat on the Collaborative Divorce Toronto board. He makes children a priority in his practice. He is a panel lawyer for the Children’s Lawyer and the Public Guardian.
Family Law and Estate matters are all about family relationships. Joe’s practice concentrates on offering creative and positive solutions, with a view to sustaining and rebuilding essential family relationships in a respectful and cost-effective manner.
Joe has always believed that the service providers in the legal system should fairly reflect the community that they serve in order to achieve the best outcomes. He was attracted to Collaborative Divorce Toronto, in part, because of the opportunities that are provided to foster and promote that fair reflection, both in the communities that are served and the service providers offering assistance to those diverse communities.
