Child Sexual Abuse Response Guide from a mediator
As a mediator under the Family Law Act, I hear allegations of child sexual abuse from time to time. Here’s a resource for parents whose child may disclose allegations or display signs of possible abuse. It is important that disclosures are responded to carefully: Stay calm, ask open-ended questions, focus on safety, explain the next […]
New National Contravention List
When you have a parenting plan or parenting orders, it’s important to comply. The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court have today announced the launch of a new national contravention list. This means that breaches of court orders will be dealt with quicker. Under the new scheme, to take effect upon the […]
What happens to kids who see mum and dad fighting?
Childhood exposure to family violence can lead to negative short-term and long-termoutcomes for health and wellbeing. These include impaired cognitive functioning, mentalillness, poorer academic outcomes, externalising (e.g. showing aggression toward others)and internalising (e.g. experiencing fear, anxiety), behavioural issues, learning difficultiesand low self-esteem (Edleson, 1999; Kitzmann et al., 2003; Wolfe et al., 2003). Research has also […]
Does conflict impact your children?
A Mum and Dad had been in and out of Family Court since 2009. The children had been to many appointments with experts for the purpose of court evidence. Mum had sole parental responsibility and refused to involve father in decisions regarding children. The judge noted the enormous financial and emotional costs of this 10 […]
My story: My path to becoming a mediator, inspired by experience
Hi, I’m Tess, the owner of Argyll FDRP, and here’s my story. My path to becoming a mediator begins about a quarter of a century ago when I separated from my husband with whom I share two children. These were the days before the internet and so it was hard to find information. I learned […]
