Pleased to announce this year's conference bookings are opening soon.
The conference will be held at Burswood on Swan and available online for regional delegates.
Lookout for booking details to follow.
Don't miss the next webinar in the National FLPN Webinar Series! Tune in on 15 September to learn about the new merger of the Federal Circuit and Family Law Court of Australia (note WA has a state-based family court system) https://t.co/WBcKLPLBqc
Today we acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day is held 26 May to reflect on the injustices of the past, the strength of the members of the Stolen Generations, and the continuing impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Comment from ALS: is it important that the style and setup of the Court is in such a way so that open communication can take place and relationships can be built. #waflpn21
The hope for the pilot's future is now to get government funding in order to extend the program from 2 days to 4, get an Aboriginal Reference Group and an Aboriginal mediator. #waflpn21
Some more statistics from 9 months of the pilot: Of 33 families involved, 5 achieved reunification. 2 are close. A concerning statistic is that about half of the children are in general foster care rather than with family or a significant person. #waflpn21
FDV was identified as a risk factor in 70% of the families involved in the pilot program. 16% were identified as at high safety risk. Important to look at things through an FDV lens. #waflpn21
Of 52 parents in the pilot program, 30% were in care themselves. There is usually a lot of distrust present in those cases. Establishing trust and comfort then becomes a priority. #waflpn21
It is all about creating a problem-solving Court that is trauma-informed and where families are actively involved. Families are encouraged to come - they are support too. Benefits of family being present is that the safety network can be demonstrated to the Department. #waflpn21
Small changes that make a difference: everybody gets a set time and appointment - no waiting around. Everybody sits at the same table. It is less formal - Magistrate Hughes is known as 'Mag'. Families are met where they are. Snacks are allowed. #waflpn21