Expert to Discuss the Importance of the Voice of the Child During Parental Conflict and Separation

The Family Court Proceedings Reforms Bill comes in to effect 31 March. This Bill makes significant changes to the Care of Children Act 2004 and is designed to help families resolve their child arrangement matters outside of the Family Court.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has stated that a key goal of the reforms is to, “put the needs of children and vulnerable people first to ensure the Family Court focuses on those who need it most.”

Jill Goldson of The Family Matters Centre in Auckland welcomes this renewed focus on children. She has specialised in championing the interests of children during times of parental conflict and separation for over 20 years.

To coincide with the reforms taking place, Ms Goldson has invited UK based Anthony Douglas, the Chief Executive of Children and Family Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) to speak to families and practitioners about lessons learned in the recent and ongoing Court reforms in the UK. One of his key
discoveries is that family law reform can help increase the resilience of children and also support parents to make better agreements about parenting.

Awarded a CBE for his work in family justice, Anthony oversees the process for over 150,000 separating families and children annually. He is an expert on adoption and fostering, best practice in family and child adjustment and in incorporating the voice of the child and adolescents (when appropriate) in family separation.

Mr. Douglas will present a 2 hour seminar in Auckland (3 April), Wellington (7 April) and Christchurch (9 April)

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