Professor Nicholas Bala Receives Distinguished Research Award from International Organization

Professor Nicholas Bala is introduced as the recipient of the Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award by Bill Howe, a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, in Vancouver on May 29, 2008.

Professor Nicholas Bala Receives Distinguished Research Award from International Organization

Professor Nicholas Bala, Law ‘77, was presented with the Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award by the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts (AFCC) at its 45th Annual Conference in Vancouver on May 29, 2008. Based on research contributions over the course of his career, the award recognizes Bala's outstanding work in the family and divorce field.

"I was deeply honoured by this recognition," said Bala, "particularly in light of the distinguished previous winners."

Bala became the first Canadian to win the award from the AFCC, an international organization. Most of the previous recipients have been leading American researchers and in the mental health field. These include Sanford Braver, Joan Kelly and Janet Johnston, whose work focuses on the effects of divorce on parents and children.
One of Canada's leading family and children's law scholars, Bala has a distinguished record of research and publications. His work is frequently quoted by Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). In its recent decision in R. v. D.B., the SCC cited Bala's work for the twenty-fifth time. Also citing his work are scholars in Canada and abroad.

In addition to his more traditional legal scholarship, a significant part of his work is interdisciplinary in nature; he collaborates with psychologists, sociologists and social workers in undertaking research to better address the problems of children and families in the justice system.

Bala observed: "I have not only been involved in ‘consuming' the research of social scientists, but also in helping to ‘produce' it. Collaboration with mental health professionals and social scientists has given me a critical appreciation of the value and limitations of their work for the justice system."

"I worked with three mental health professionals over the past years, writing a series of papers on domestic violence and family law," said Bala. One of his most recent collaborative efforts has been the development of a differentiated model for assessment of the effects of family violence in custody and access cases. This model was the subject of an article in the most recent issue of the international publication, Family Court Review, which is already being cited in a number of countries.


About the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts

A non-profit professional association, the AFCC has a membership of more than 3,500 professionals involved in the family courts, including judges, lawyers, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and researchers. Through educational, innovative and collaborative activities, the AFCC strives to benefit communities, empower families and promote a healthy future for children.