Awards

The John E. VanDuzer Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions and/or achievements by members of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The award is named for the late Justice John E. VanDuzer, who served as first Canadian president of AFCC in 1983. Throughout his career, Justice VanDuzer distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for children and families. Justice VanDuzer initiated the formation of the first integrated federal provincial family court, the Unified Family Court of Hamilton-Wentworth.

Award criteria and the link to the nomination form

The Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award was created to recognize outstanding research and/or research achievements in the field of family and divorce. The award is named for the late Dr. Stanley Cohen, founding member of AFCC who served as executive director and co-editor of the Review.

Award criteria and the link to the nomination form

The Irwin Cantor Innovative Program Award was created to recognize innovation in court-connected or court-related programs created by a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Nominations for this award should be for programs, not individuals. The award is named for the late Hon. Irwin Cantor, former AFCC President.

Award criteria and the link to the nomination form

The Meyer Elkin Essay Award is presented to the author(s) of the article judged as the best of those published in Family Court Review for each volume. The winner is selected by the Family Court Review editorial staff.

The Tim Salius President’s Award is presented annually to an AFCC member who has provided exemplary service to the association. In 2015, the award was named in honor of the late Anthony “Tim” Salius, the only two-term president in AFCC history. Under his leadership in the mid-1980s, AFCC expanded to a truly national and ultimately international organization. Mr. Salius served as Director of the Family Division of the Superior Court, Connecticut Judicial Branch, for 36 years during which time Connecticut became a leader in providing court-connected mediation services and in collaborating with the domestic violence advocacy community.

AFCC Ambassadors are members who are acknowledged for their often behind the scenes efforts in helping the association reach new audiences and expand its reach while exemplifying the collegial and collaborative spirit of AFCC membership.