Improving Access to Justice for First Nations Families in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Tracks
Room 4: In-Person Only
| Wednesday, November 27, 2024 |
| 8:55 AM - 9:15 AM |
| Room 4 |
Overview
Kirsty Maylin & Dwayne Coulthard, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)
Speaker
Dwayne Coulthard
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Improving Access to Justice for First Nations Families in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
8:55 AM - 9:15 AMAbstract
Abstract coming soon...
Biography
Dwayne Coulthard is a proud Adnyamathanha and Kokatha man from South Australia. Prior to joining the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Dwayne was engaged with an Adolescent Trauma and Cultural Healing research project with South Australian Health and the Medical Research Institute within the Women and Kids theme. Dwayne has also worked for the Legal Services Commission, as a radio producer for Radio Adelaide, as a Community Legal Educator for the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia, and as a Community Organiser working on a campaign to protect Country.
Kirsty Maylin
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Improving Access to Justice for First Nations Families in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
8:55 AM - 9:15 AMAbstract
Abstract coming soon..
Biography
Kirsty is a Kokatha, Wirangu, Arrentre woman who currently resides on Kaurna Country (Adelaide). Previously, Kirsty worked at the Department of Defence (Science and Technology Group) in lead roles as an Assistant Director of External Engagement and a Deputy Director of Science and Technology in the Cyber and Electronic Warfare Division. Prior to this, Kirsty spent a period of approximately 10 years working for the Indigenous Community in various roles. Significantly, she has worked as a Program Manager developing and implementing diversionary programs for Indigenous Youth at risk and as a Community Education Officer in the Department of Education.
Kirsty has been employed with the FCFCOA since 2021 and has demonstrated an exceptional level of adaptability, resilience, and commitment to her role as an IFLO within the Courts and more broadly in the IFLO National Coordinator role. Kirsty has played a critical role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, her Honour Judge Kelly with the conduct of her Honour’s specialist Indigenous List and the IFLO’s nationally with a commitment to working collaboratively to improve access to justice for First Nations families.
Hayley Foster
Director of Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Improving Access to Justice for First Nations Families in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Abstract
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (‘FCFCoA’) acknowledges the unique cultural and historical barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in accessing the Family Law Courts and services. In recognition of these barriers, the FCFCoA have employed Indigenous Family Liaison Officers (‘IFLO’) to assist with engagement. The role of an IFLO is to assist and support families navigate the court process for greater access to justice in the hope that this would present an alternative to state and territory child protection/safety departments.
This presentation will provide an overview of the ways in which the IFLOs role are increasing engagement and reducing barriers by referral to culturally appropriate support services to help deliver the best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
One effective strategy to counter this cycle and pre-empt child protection authority intervention is for family and kin to proactively file for safe alternative 'live with' and 'care' arrangements within their communities through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (‘FCFCOA’).
Since 2021, 15 Indigenous Family Liaison Officers (IFLOs) have been appointed to the FCFCOA to assist and support communities in exercising their rights within the family law system. These IFLOs help families navigate the court process to achieve self-determined outcomes that prioritise the best interests of their children.
Join Kirsty Maylin and Dwayne Coulthard, leaders from the IFLO team, as they share de-identified success stories of working with families to secure better outcomes for their children. They will also discuss ongoing efforts to improve court processes and outcomes for all involved.
Key Learnings:
1. Understanding the Role of the Indigenous Family Liaison Officer in the FCFCOA:
Learn how Indigenous Family Liaison Officers assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in navigating the family court system, increasing engagement, and reducing barriers through culturally appropriate support services.
2. Effective Legal Strategies for Families:
Discover proactive legal strategies that families can use to prevent child protection interventions by filing for safe 'live with' and 'care' arrangements within their communities through the FCFCOA.
3. Success Stories and Ongoing Efforts:
Hear de-identified success stories from IFLO leaders and learn about ongoing efforts to improve court processes and outcomes for First Nations families, highlighting practical examples and future initiatives.
This presentation will provide an overview of the ways in which the IFLOs role are increasing engagement and reducing barriers by referral to culturally appropriate support services to help deliver the best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
One effective strategy to counter this cycle and pre-empt child protection authority intervention is for family and kin to proactively file for safe alternative 'live with' and 'care' arrangements within their communities through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (‘FCFCOA’).
Since 2021, 15 Indigenous Family Liaison Officers (IFLOs) have been appointed to the FCFCOA to assist and support communities in exercising their rights within the family law system. These IFLOs help families navigate the court process to achieve self-determined outcomes that prioritise the best interests of their children.
Join Kirsty Maylin and Dwayne Coulthard, leaders from the IFLO team, as they share de-identified success stories of working with families to secure better outcomes for their children. They will also discuss ongoing efforts to improve court processes and outcomes for all involved.
Key Learnings:
1. Understanding the Role of the Indigenous Family Liaison Officer in the FCFCOA:
Learn how Indigenous Family Liaison Officers assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in navigating the family court system, increasing engagement, and reducing barriers through culturally appropriate support services.
2. Effective Legal Strategies for Families:
Discover proactive legal strategies that families can use to prevent child protection interventions by filing for safe 'live with' and 'care' arrangements within their communities through the FCFCOA.
3. Success Stories and Ongoing Efforts:
Hear de-identified success stories from IFLO leaders and learn about ongoing efforts to improve court processes and outcomes for First Nations families, highlighting practical examples and future initiatives.
Biography
