The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) stands as the premier interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict. For decades, AFCC has been a trusted resource for those who work at the intersection of family law, mental health, dispute resolution, education, and research. Through collaborative leadership, training, policy initiatives, and a commitment to excellence, AFCC plays a crucial role in improving the lives of children and families navigating complex and emotionally charged situations.
About AFCC
Founded with the mission to promote a just resolution of family conflicts, AFCC brings together a diverse community of practitioners, researchers, educators, and policymakers. These members share a common goal: to advance the understanding and practice of family law and to develop innovative solutions that better serve families, particularly children, in conflict.
Unlike licensing or certifying bodies, AFCC is focused purely on providing education, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. Its members range from family court judges and lawyers to mediators, evaluators, social workers, and psychologists. By fostering dialogue across disciplines, AFCC encourages integrated approaches to family dispute resolution.
Mission, Vision, and Values
AFCC’s mission is rooted in the belief that collaboration, research-based practice, and education can fundamentally improve family conflict resolution. The organization envisions a future where families in conflict have access to fair, effective, and compassionate services that help them move forward constructively.
Central values include respect for diverse perspectives, commitment to innovation, and dedication to the highest ethical and professional standards. Inclusivity and equity are emphasized, ensuring that AFCC’s work reaches and reflects the needs of varied communities.
The Center for Excellence in Family Court Practice
A cornerstone of AFCC’s efforts is the Center for Excellence in Family Court Practice. This initiative drives policy development, produces practice guidelines, and promotes research to enhance the functioning of family courts and related systems. The Center serves as a hub for best practices, encouraging evidence-based improvements in family court services worldwide.
Through the Center, AFCC tackles some of the most pressing challenges in family law, such as child custody evaluation, domestic violence considerations, and parent education programs. By disseminating practice guidelines and policy recommendations, the Center helps practitioners align their work with cutting-edge knowledge and proven methods.
Conferences, Trainings, and Webinars
Education and professional development are fundamental to AFCC’s work. The organization offers a rich array of conferences, training sessions, and webinars designed to provide family law professionals with the latest information, research, and tools.
One of the highlights is AFCC’s Annual Conference, which attracts hundreds of participants from around the globe. The 62nd Annual Conference, titled "Bridging Perspectives: Pioneering Solutions in Family Law," will be held in New Orleans from May 28–31, 2025. These gatherings offer attendees the opportunity to engage with leading experts, explore new practices, and share insights with peers across disciplines.
AFCC also hosts a Fall Virtual Conference, specialized series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), and topical webinars on areas like child development, clinical judgment, and immigration risks in family law cases. These educational offerings ensure that members remain at the forefront of evolving legal, psychological, and social service practices.
Membership and Benefits
Joining AFCC opens access to a dynamic network of family law professionals committed to excellence and innovation. Membership benefits include discounted rates for conferences and training events, access to the Family Court Review journal archives (dating back to 1963), and inclusion in a professional directory that fosters networking and collaboration.
AFCC categorizes its membership to be inclusive of a wide range of professionals. Whether a seasoned judge, a therapist new to family mediation, or a researcher specializing in child welfare, there is a place within AFCC for any individual passionate about improving outcomes for families in conflict.
The association also maintains a vibrant chapter system, with local chapters offering region-specific events, training, and networking opportunities. These chapters help members stay engaged with developments in their local legal and social landscapes while benefiting from the global reach of the AFCC.
Family Court Review and Other Resources
One of the crown jewels of AFCC’s resource offerings is the Family Court Review (FCR), a quarterly academic journal published in association with Wiley-Blackwell. FCR features interdisciplinary articles on family law, dispute resolution, psychology, and social work, making it an essential read for anyone working in or studying family conflict resolution.
Additionally, AFCC’s Resource Center offers a treasure trove of guidelines, e-newsletters, professional toolkits, and family resources. Practice guidelines developed by AFCC serve as important references for practitioners aiming to align their work with the highest standards.
Whether it’s through publications on custody evaluation practices or webinars on emerging research, AFCC consistently provides accessible, practical resources to professionals navigating the complexities of family conflict.
Scholarships and Awards
Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of family law leaders, AFCC supports professional development through scholarships and awards. The AFCC Scholarship Fund helps colleagues and future professionals gain access to training and educational events that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
In addition, AFCC honors outstanding contributions to the field through a range of awards, celebrating innovation, research excellence, and lifetime achievement among its members.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In recent years, AFCC has redoubled its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through its DE&I webinars, resources, and leadership initiatives, the organization seeks to ensure that the family court system better serves all communities, particularly those historically marginalized.
AFCC recognizes that addressing systemic inequities is essential for truly just family conflict resolution and remains committed to embedding these principles into its training, publications, and organizational culture.
Conclusion
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) represents a vital force in the world of family law and conflict resolution. By providing unparalleled opportunities for education, research dissemination, and professional collaboration, AFCC empowers practitioners to better serve families during some of their most challenging times.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, commitment to excellence, and focus on innovation and inclusivity, AFCC continues to shape the future of family conflict resolution. For professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in this field, becoming part of the AFCC community offers an invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a better future for families everywhere.
Learn more by visiting https://www.afccnet.org/