21. Family Dispute Resolution

Recommendation 21–1 The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department should continue to collaborate with the family dispute resolution sector to improve standards in identification and appropriate management of family violence by family dispute resolution practitioners.

Recommendation 21–2 The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department should:

1. promote and support high quality screening and risk assessment frameworks and tools for family dispute resolution practitioners;

2. include these tools and frameworks in training and accreditation of family dispute resolution practitioners;

3. include these tools and frameworks in the assessment and evaluation of family dispute resolution services and practitioners; and

4. promote and support collaborative work across sectors to improve standards in the screening and assessment of family violence in family dispute resolution.

Recommendation 21–3 The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, family dispute resolution service providers, and legal education bodies should ensure that lawyers who practise family law are given training and support in screening and assessing risks in relation to family violence and making appropriate referrals to other services.

Recommendation 21–4 The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department should continue to provide leadership, support and coordination to improve collaboration and cooperation between family dispute resolution practitioners and lawyers.

Recommendation 21–5 The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department should take a comprehensive and strategic approach to support culturally responsive family dispute resolution, including screening and risk assessment processes.