#Australia #Melbourne #Safe & Together #Online Course #Children's Lawyers

Introduction

The recent launch of the innovative online course, "Safe Together: An Introduction to the Model for Independent Children's Lawyers (ICLs)," marks a significant milestone in the training of legal professionals dealing with sensitive family law matters involving domestic and family violence (DFV). Developed jointly by the Safe & Together Institute and National Legal Aid, this course aims to sharpen the skills of ICLs, focusing specifically on how to address the complexities associated with DFV cases in family law proceedings.

Background

The Safe & Together Institute has earned its reputation as a global leader in training and implementing domestic abuse-informed best practices. Founded by David Mandel in 2006, the organization dedicates itself to improving responses to domestic violence, especially concerning children. The new online course aligns with the needs highlighted by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which has endorsed the Safe & Together Model for use in family law cases since 2021.

Course Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to equip ICLs with knowledge and techniques necessary to navigate the challenging intersection of DFV and the best interests of children in legal contexts. This course is not just about sharing prescriptive solutions; it is designed to build on the existing expertise of ICLs, fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Key Learning Areas

The course encompasses pivotal content areas crucial for ICLs, including:

• - Child Protection in Family Violence Contexts: Understanding how to identify protective behaviors in parenting that are vital for children's safety.
• - Coercive and Controlling Behaviors: Recognizing such behaviors is essential for assessing risks in family dynamics.
• - Impact Analysis: Evaluating how family violence affects children's psychological and emotional well-being.
• - Legal Framework: Familiarizing ICLs with recent amendments to the Family Law Act that pertain to DFV and children's interests.
• - Complex Case Assessment: Learning to deal with nuanced DFV cases that require specialized analytical skills.

Collaboration and Implementation

Mary Alex, the National ICL Program Manager at National Legal Aid, emphasizes the need for this tailored training as ICLs frequently handle intricate DFV matters that necessitate specialized knowledge. The collaboration signifies a shared commitment to improving the collective understanding of domestic violence, ensuring that children’s welfare remains central to legal processes.

Unlike traditional legal training that might provide one-size-fits-all solutions, this course encourages ICLs to engage interactively with the material, enhancing their ability to apply the Safe & Together Model in their advocacy roles. By creating a shared language and understanding about issues related to domestic abuse, the training fosters better communication and collaboration among professionals dealing with similar cases.

Availability

The course is promptly accessible and can be found at icl.gov.au. This availability signifies a progressive step towards ensuring that independent children's lawyers are well-equipped to advocate for the best outcomes for children amidst the complexities of family law.

Conclusion

As a vital response to the urgent need for specialized training in the area of DFV, this online course not only fortifies ICLs’ skills but also ensures that children’s rights and welfare remain at the forefront of family law proceedings. The Safe & Together Institute and National Legal Aid have set a precedent for ongoing professional development in legal platforms addressing domestic abuse, aiming for a future where children's safety and well-being are prioritized.

For more information on the Safe & Together Institute and its initiatives, visit safeandtogetherinstitute.com. Likewise, more about National Legal Aid can be found at nationallegalaid.org.au.