Glossary - Abuse and Family Violence

In Abuse and Family Violence, Family Law

The Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) is the government-funded office that represents children under the age of 18 in some court cases.

The OCL is not automatically involved in court cases dealing with decision-making responsibility and parenting time, which used to be called custody and access. They have to agree to accept your case.

The OCL has clinicians and lawyers across Ontario. OCL clinicians, who are usually social workers, prepare reports about a child’s needs, views, and wishes. OCL lawyers represent children in court.

In Abuse and Family Violence, Elder abuse, Health and Disability

The term “older adult” is usually used to describe someone who’s over the age of 65. But there’s no set age for when someone is considered an older adult. Some people prefer to use the term “senior”.

We use older adult to refer to someone who may be affected by elder abuse, even if they’re younger than 65.