Children better off but more needs to be done

Griffith University's Socio-Legal Research Centre has released findings of a study examining how children's contact services are being used in Australia and how they can be improved.

Children's contact services assist separated parents by facilitating changeovers where parents exchange children without meeting, or by supervising children spending time with a parent.

The Australian Research Council-funded study was conducted by Griffith University's Socio-Legal Research Centre (SLRC) in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Australian Institute of Family Studies in Melbourne and the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department.

The Children's Contact Services Study surveyed 396 families in high-conflict situations in Queensland and Victoria who had accessed government funded and other children's contact services in August 2003.

The researchers also conducted 142 in-depth interviews that included parents and children using the services as well as services staff, government and court personnel and others in the legal profession who refer families to contact services.

“The research shows that children's contact services play a beneficial role in providing a safe and secure environment for children,” project manager and Griffith SLRC researcher Dr Grania Sheehan said.

“Without such services, many children would be unable to have face-to-face contact with their non-resident parent,” she said.

“However, the research also indicated not all issues faced by separated parents and children are resolved by using these services. For instance, the services are a confined environment for adolescent children and in some cases may not reduce the risk of psychological harm to children who are distressed at the prospect of having contact.

“Many families also faced difficulties in accessing contact services and have had to move or travel long distances to facilitate the visits.

“The study recommends improving the accessibility of the contact services and highlights the need for greater understanding of the multiple roles children's contact services perform. This will improve the likelihood of positive outcomes for all parties, especially children.”

The release of the report coincides with the Australian Government's announcement of an additional $17 million over the next four years to fund an additional 30 children's contact services throughout Australia which will help improve their accessibility.

The report can be accessed at www.ag.gov.au/familylawpubs and www.griffith.edu.au/centre/slrc/flru