Child Protection Practitioners Association of Queensland

Honours the Charter of Rights for children in care
Recognises that the decisions made during litigation fundamentally affect the basic human right of a child or young person to live with his or her family
Acknowledges that families have primary responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children
Acknowledges that the State has responsibility for the protection of children and young people where it is not possible for families to do so, and that this responsibility should be ercised in the least intrusive way possible in the circumstances
Ensures that decisions and actions are guided by the best interests of the child or young person involved
Gives effect to the rights of children, young people, their families and their carers to be kept informed of and participate in decisions that affect them, and to have their views considered in decision making
Is open, fair, and respects the rights of the people who are affected by decisions
Acknowledges and respects the importance of family and cultural ties, and gives proper consideration to placing children and young people with kin
Respects the distinct roles of the different professionals involved, while promoting collaboration and a focus on the best interests of the child or young person
Works to minimise the impact of systems abuse on children, young people and their families

Important Organisations

Family Law Centre

HOW DO I NAVIGATE THROUGH THE COURT PROCESS?
WHERE DO I START?
HOW CAN YOU ASSIST?
WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO FIND A RESOLUTION WITH MY EX?
WHICH PROFESSIONAL SERVICE DO I NEED?
CAN YOU HELP ME SELF-REPRESENT?

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH PROCEDURAL PROCESS (SUCH AS DOCUMENT UPLOADS TO THE FAMILY COURT)?

The Family Law Centre can assist you with self-representing through the Court by assisting with procedural process of application such as Consent Orders and Application. They do not offer legal advice but can refer you, if required to experienced family lawyers to guide you should you require legal advice.

Family Law Practitioners Association

The Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) is Queensland’s leading industry body representing those who work in family law – solicitors, barristers, social workers, mediators, psychologists, members of the judiciary and associated fields.

Almost 1000 family law practitioners and other professionals who work in the industry, throughout Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory are members of this dynamic network.

FLPA was established in 1978 with the goal to promote reform of family law and related legislation.

As a respected industry body, FLPA provides members with the credibility of being part of a professional association and the marketing opportunity to promote their professional qualifications to other members and potential clients.

Resolution Institute is a vibrant community of mediators, arbitrators, adjudicators, restorative justice practitioners and other DR professionals. Created as a result of the integration of LEADR with IAMA in 2014, we are a not-for-profit organization with more than 4,000 members in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.

Our offices are in Sydney (Australia) and Wellington (New Zealand).
What our organisation does:

Keeps members informed – our website, newsletter and events provide up to date news and information
Develops the skills of DR practitioners – we have lots of CPD offerings
Establishes and supports state and regional Chapters and special interest groups – DR practitioners come together to connect, network and learn
Provides high quality mediation training and accreditation
Promotes the use of mediation and DR – DR can help prevent, manage and resolve conflict and disputes in business, workplaces, families and communities
Provides a voice for DR practitioners in public discussion about DR – we gather and represent members’ views
Provides an up to date listing of mediators and other DR practitioners – on this website, look for these in Resolving a Dispute
Administers building and construction industry payment disputes and domain name disputes in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania
Assists organisations to develop effective dispute resolution processes.

Attorney General's Department

The law requires separating families who have a dispute about children to make a genuine effort to try to sort it out through family dispute resolution (FDR) before filing an application for parenting orders in court.

This requirement applies to anyone wanting to file an application with a family law court. It also includes those seeking changes to an existing parenting order.

There are a few exceptions to this requirement, such as cases involving family violence, child abuse or urgency.

Unless an exemption applies, parties seeking to have a parenting matter determined by a family law court will need to file a certificate from an accredited FDR practitioner. The certificate is issued under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975 and is commonly known as a Section 60I Certificate.