Putting safety first in family law: How the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is responding to family violence three years on from the commencement of the reforms
Tracks
Room 1: In-Person and Online
| Tuesday, November 26, 2024 |
| 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM |
| Room 1 |
Overview
Hayley Foster, Judge Anna Parker, David Pringle PSM & Janet Carmichael, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Speaker
Janet Carmichael
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Putting safety first in family law: How the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is responding to family violence three years on from the commencement of the reforms
2:10 PM - 2:40 PMAbstract
There is incontrovertible evidence that the point of separation and the months following present the highest risk time for victim-survivors of family violence escaping that violence, and this risk exacerbates when victim-survivors exercise their rights in the justice system.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
Biography
Bio coming soon...
Anna Parker
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Putting safety first in family law: How the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is responding to family violence three years on from the commencement of the reforms
2:10 PM - 2:40 PMAbstract
There is incontrovertible evidence that the point of separation and the months following present the highest risk time for victim-survivors of family violence escaping that violence, and this risk exacerbates when victim-survivors exercise their rights in the justice system.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
Biography
Judge Anna Parker is a judge of the Adelaide registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). Prior to her appointment, her Honour sat as a Senior Judicial Registrar. Before joining the Court, her Honour practised both as a barrister and as a solicitor in the area of family law and was an Accredited Family Law Specialist and a partner of a specialist family law firm. Her Honour holds a Master of Laws and a Doctorate in the area of family law. Her Honour has authored a family law looseleaf service, co-authored a family law textbook and has been published on a wide range of family law topics.
David Pringle
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Putting safety first in family law: How the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is responding to family violence three years on from the commencement of the reforms
2:10 PM - 3:15 PMAbstract
There is incontrovertible evidence that the point of separation and the months following present the highest risk time for victim-survivors of family violence escaping that violence, and this risk exacerbates when victim-survivors exercise their rights in the justice system.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
Biography
Mr Pringle is the CEO and Principal Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFCOA). Prior to this, Mr Pringle was the Acting National Operations Registrar and Acting Principal Judicial Registrar of the Federal Court. With over 20 years’ experience as a high-level litigator and mediator, Mr Pringle brings extensive experience in Court-related reform and change management – particularly in policy development and judicial and registrar support. Since his current appointment, Mr Pringle facilitated various reforms, including the amalgamation of the FCFCOA. Mr Pringle is also passionate about both promoting the safe and effective use of dispute resolution, and developing efficient, cost-effective case management practices. He continues to be at the forefront of the Courts’ reform agenda through the transformation of the Courts’ policies and practices, to ensure that access to justice is available to all Australians.
Hayley Foster
Director of Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Panel 1: Putting Safety First in Family Law: How the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is Responding to Family Violence Three Years on From the Commencement of the Reforms
Abstract
There is incontrovertible evidence that the point of separation and the months following present the highest risk time for victim-survivors of family violence escaping that violence, and this risk exacerbates when victim-survivors exercise their rights in the justice system.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
With this backdrop, and in circumstances where 83% of parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) involve allegations on family violence, risk and safety are recognised as critical considerations in the work of the Courts.
Come along and listen to a number of the key architects of the reforms to the FCFCOA over the last 3 years as they talk about the series of interventions being implemented from risk screening and assessment, to early referral to essential legal and specialist supports, to information sharing on risk, workforce development, judicial education and policy and practice improvements, as well as sector and court user consultation and codesign. Hear about the challenges and impacts of these evolving changes and how they are combining with the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to promote safer outcomes for children and their caregivers, and how you as member of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA on improved system responses to families impacted by family violence to promote safer processes and outcomes for children and families impacted by family violence.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand the Reforms in Response to Family Violence:
Gain insights into the key interventions and reforms implemented by the FCFCOA over the past three years to address family violence, including risk screening, early referrals, and information sharing on risk.
2. Explore the Impact of Policy and Practice Improvements:
Learn about the challenges and impacts of recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and other policy and practice improvements aimed at promoting safer outcomes for children and caregivers in family violence situations.
3. Engage with Collaboration Opportunities with the Family Violence Sector:
Discover how members of the family violence sector can provide input and collaborate with the FCFCOA to enhance system responses, ensuring safer processes and outcomes for families affected by family violence.
Biography
Hayley Foster, BBus (Ec) LLB (Hons) GDLP GDFDRP GAICD, is the Director of Family Violence and Director of Access, Equity, and Inclusion at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia charged with advising the Chief Justice and CEO on enhancing the Court's response to family violence and increasing accessibility for diverse populations. Hayley is recognised leader in family, domestic, and sexual violence prevention and response efforts, with a career spanning frontline services, behaviour change, law practice, policy development, and executive leadership. Hayley has played a key part in shaping substantial policy and law reforms at state and federal levels, including the criminalisation of coercive control, affirmative sexual consent laws, a national curriculum on respectful relationships, paid domestic violence leave, Respect@Work, and the prioritisation of safety in family law. Notable advisory roles include the Commonwealth Advisory Group for the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children and the Fair Work Commission's Sexual Harassment Working Group.
