Family law and the indissolubility of parenthood. This project involves a comparative analysis of how different family law systems address the problems of post-separation parenting, in particular, the tension between the promise of post-separation autonomy and the need for continuing co-operation between parents. Changes in expectations about post-separation parenting are placing pressures on legal systems to play an ongoing role in dispute resolution and to find a balance between continuing con ....Family law and the indissolubility of parenthood. This project involves a comparative analysis of how different family law systems address the problems of post-separation parenting, in particular, the tension between the promise of post-separation autonomy and the need for continuing co-operation between parents. Changes in expectations about post-separation parenting are placing pressures on legal systems to play an ongoing role in dispute resolution and to find a balance between continuing contact and issues about the safety of women and children from family violence. By examining existing approaches, processes and law reform proposals in North America, Europe and elsewhere, proposals will be developed for systemic reform in Australia.Read moreRead less
Improving court processing of protection applications for young children in the Children's Court of Victoria. The project applies collaborative expertise to improve "healthy starts" (National Research Priority Goal) for vulnerable children with child protection applications in their first 3 years. They need the courts to decide on means of protection and stability. For rural as well as urban areas, the project will identify factors that support or delay provision of stable environments for child ....Improving court processing of protection applications for young children in the Children's Court of Victoria. The project applies collaborative expertise to improve "healthy starts" (National Research Priority Goal) for vulnerable children with child protection applications in their first 3 years. They need the courts to decide on means of protection and stability. For rural as well as urban areas, the project will identify factors that support or delay provision of stable environments for children needing security in their early years. The project provides an evidence base for analyses and case flow management. By analysing court processes, it contributes data on protection cases that are lacking in Australia. This will be a lasting system for the Children's Court that can be generalised to other age groups and jurisdictions. Read moreRead less