Recently launched resources include Children's Charter and Kids' Corner
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s first and second divisions (FCFCOA) have announced two new resources – the Children’s Charter and Kids’ Corner – seeking to support children with separating parents caught up in family law disputes.
“Today marks an important milestone in our Courts’ ongoing commitment to children and young people,” said Kylie Beckhouse, a judge of Division 2, in a media release from the courts.
“Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that ‘Everyone should know about children’s rights,’” said Alice Carter, a judge of Division 1 and chair of the FCFCOA’s children’s committee. “The FCFCOA is committed to honouring those rights through the Children’s Charter, our child participation framework, and initiatives like Kids’ Corner.”
“Providing information about the process is critical to ensuring the safety, rights and wellbeing of children whose families go to court for decisions that will directly affect the child’s life,” added Anne Hollonds, national children’s commissioner. “Children have said that in the past they were ‘kept in the dark’.”
In the media release, the courts shared that they livestreamed the initiatives’ launch, which took place during National Children’s Week from 18 October to 26 October. The FCFCOA noted that the livestream was accessible via its YouTube channel.
First, according to the FCFCOA, the Children’s Charter aims to offer a clear and accessible outline of the courts’ commitment to keeping children at the centre of decision-making while promoting their safety and wellbeing.
The FCFCOA’s media release emphasised that children’s best interests serve as the paramount consideration in parenting cases and impact the way the courts and associated services deal with these young people.
“The Children’s Charter outlines the Court’s commitment to placing children at the centre of decision-making, guided by ten foundational principles that promote safety, dignity, and participation,” Beckhouse said.
“In developing the Charter, we have spent considerable time consulting with experts, listening to children’s voices, to ensure that the Charter and other resources are both informative and empowering,” she added.
Next, dedicated Kids’ Corner webpages on the FCFCOA’s website display short animations – namely “What happens when a family goes to Court?” and “What is a Family Expert?” – and provide age-appropriate answers to common questions, as well as other information and resources.
The FCFCOA said this resource seeks to explain to children what happens when families are embroiled in litigation and how the courts reach decisions about where children reside and with whom they spend time. The FCFCOA stressed that children can perceive their parents’ separation as a confusing and emotionally challenging period in their lives.
“The development of Kids’ Corner, which includes two new animations, was informed by extensive consultation with experts in children, and most importantly, children themselves,” said Janet Carmichael, executive director – Court Children’s Service.
“This resource reflects our commitment to making the family law system more child-friendly and in ensuring children are able to safely participate in decisions made about them,” she added in the FCFCOA’s media release.
“I commend the Courts’ leadership to ensure that ‘the safety and wellbeing of a child is the highest priority’ and that ‘their views must be listened to and respectfully considered,’” Hollonds added.
