#Australia #Melbourne #Child Protection #Domestic Violence #Legal Aid

Safe & Together Institute Launches Groundbreaking Online Course

In a notable advancement for family law practitioners, the Safe & Together Institute has launched a pioneering online course titled "Safe Together: An Introduction to the Model for Independent Children's Lawyers." This initiative, developed in conjunction with the National Legal Aid's Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) Program, aims to redefine how practitioners confront the intricate challenges posed by domestic and family violence (DFV) within legal proceedings related to children's welfare.

Aligning Professional Development with Best Practices

This online training program is designed to align the professional development of Independent Children's Lawyers with the Safe & Together Model—a framework that has gained endorsement from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) since 2021. The course seeks to educate ICLs on the key concepts and practices widely adopted by child protection organizations across various states and territories, providing new insights into managing complex DFV cases while confirming adherence to the recent amendments in the Family Law Act.

David Mandel, the founder and CEO of the Safe & Together Institute, emphasized the significance of this course, stating, "By providing ICLs with tailored training based on the same approach used to train court personnel, we aim to create a shared language and understanding of key issues related to domestic abuse and children." This collaboration signifies an ambitious move toward achieving better outcomes for children and families navigating the often daunting family court system.

A Comprehensive Curriculum Focused on Critical Thinking

Unlike traditional training programs that offer prescriptive solutions, this new course is designed to nurture ICLs' inherent professional judgment and legal expertise while enhancing their critical thinking capabilities. The interactive nature of the course enriches the learning experience, incorporating engaging activities that promote knowledge retention. Furthermore, the bespoke training materials assist ICLs in applying the Safe & Together Model effectively in their advocacy for children’s interests.

The curriculum covers critical content areas, including:

• - Protecting children within family violence contexts
• - Identifying protective parenting behaviors
• - Recognizing coercive controlling behaviors
• - Analyzing the effects of family violence on children
• - Understanding the recent changes in the Family Law Act and their implications
• - Assessing complex DFV cases based on updated legal standards

As stated by Mary Alex, the National ICL Program Manager at National Legal Aid, "The development of this bespoke training for ICLs is an acknowledgment that they often face complex DFV matters requiring specialized knowledge and skills." This makes the course a significant addition to efforts undertaken to equip ICLs with the tools they need for effectively tackling these challenging cases.

Accessible and Timely Training for All ICLs

The training is now accessible to all independent children's lawyers via icl.gov.au, realizing a vision to enhance legal support professionals' competencies in understanding domestic abuse’s impact within family structures.

About the Institutions Involved

The Safe & Together Institute stands as a globally recognized leader dedicated to informing training and intervention strategies surrounding domestic abuse. Founded by David Mandel in 2006, the organization's mission is to foster a network of professionals and organizations committed to improving systemic responses to domestic violence involving children. Their Safe & Together Model provides a framework that partners with domestic abuse survivors while intervening with abusers to safeguard children's well-being.

Additionally, National Legal Aid represents various independent Legal Aid Commissions across Australia, working collaboratively to deliver essential legal services focused on family law, criminal law, and civil law, with a strong emphasis on protecting rights for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

For more information regarding the Safe & Together Institute and its initiatives, visit safeandtogetherinstitute.com and for National Legal Aid, explore nationallegalaid.org.au.