Focusing attention on counselling and mediation a great step forward in custody dispute resolution

Catholic Welfare Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the Government will seek to establish 65 community-based family relationship centres aimed at promoting more positive relationship outcomes in the resolution of child custody arrangements following separation.

Catholic Welfare Australia represents 29 Church based organisations - including Centacare agencies – which provide a range of relationship services to families at particularly difficult times in their lives.

“The Government is to be commended for proposing an integrated approach to service delivery where mums, dads and their children will be able to access all the services they need to deal with their family’s separation at the same location,” said Chair of Catholic Welfare Australia, Fr Joe Caddy. “We look forward to working co-operatively with other services providers in this integrated approach and we are hopeful that with expert assistance and timely information families will manage to stay out of the court system and have a greater control over their own lives.”

“Catholic Welfare Australia has always advocated that ‘what is in the best interest of the child’ should be paramount in any issue surrounding child custody arrangements and whilst we do welcome this announcement it is through this lens that we will be looking at and responding to the Discussion Paper,” said Fr Caddy.

“We are also extremely pleased to see the Government’s strong commitment to other programs such as pre-marriage education, early intervention programs, children’s contact services and men’s services programs,” said Fr Caddy. “The point of irreconcilable differences is not arrived at overnight – it evolves over time. An investment in relationship services before the point of separation is the best investment the Government can make for our children and the nation’s future.”

For an interview please call: Jackie Brady, Communications Officer, 0417 220 779