July Training
On Friday 16 July the Community Liaison Co-ordinator for the Family Relationship Centre in Ringwood gave a very comprehensive talk on the work of the Centre.
The Family Relationship Centre (FRC) was created in 2006 through the Australian Government to relieve the back-log of custody problems handled by the Family Court. Now parents can only apply to the Family Law Court after a genuine effort has been made to resolve disputed problems through FRC. Exceptions are made in cases of family violence or abuse, or if an application is urgent or already in the Court system.
FRC focuses on what is best for the children and, to preserve good relationships with Grandparents and other family members , they may be included in the mediation process, as well as the parents. Children are acutely aware of ongoing conflict so the emphasis is on keeping the adults focused on their needs during the separation process and afterwards.
An initial screening process is conducted by phone. Then a one hour information session is organised.
Confidentiality is paramount at all meetings.
Mediation only supp;ies agreements which are not legally binding and should mediation fail the matter will proceed to Court. However, a success rate of about 80% is achieved in most cases in 8-10 weeks. The Court system often takes much longer with an initial waiting period which is not good for either the children or the parents.
For more information call Family Mediation Centre, 68 Charter Street, Ringwood 3134
phone direct: 9871 6301 or mobile : 0439 558 334
www.familyrelationships.gov.au Email: tmmcgregor@ringwoodfrc.org.au
or call in to one of the CAB offices during open times for information pamphlets.
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