Family_Law

How effective have changes to family law have been in regards to the amendment' (BASED ON THE READING) The Family law was developed to protect a family unit and the individuals that make up the family unit. The law recognises married parents, de facto or single and are under the protection of the family law. The role of the family law is to resolve conflict between the families and to encourage cooperation. The changing of the family law is done as a response to the changing values of society, such as socially accepting heterosexual, sax-sex couples and de facto relationships. The law is also becoming more aware there are growing numbers of single parents and blended families, although there are still low numbers of same-sex couples who have children through birth technology or adoption, it is becoming more common. There are 39 Community Legal Centres in New South Wales. Community Legal Centres provide a range of free legal services to disadvantaged clients and communities. Women’s Legal Services and Thiyama-li family are one of many specialist Community Legal Centres that gives advice, assistance and representation that is relation to the family law. Statistics have shown that in 2008 12,000 family law advices was provided by the Community Legal Centres in NSW. This shows that family law services are one of the main coverage. Community Legal Centres does not only specialise in family law they also give advice about domestic violence as 3000 advices related to domestic violence were given. Family Law Act 1975 (Cwlth) is the current Family Law act and it doesn’t not sufficiently protect the children or their family members from family violence. The Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Act 2006 (Cwlth) was enacted because there was an increase of the usage of the form of mediation in families. In the reform mediation is the chosen first step in a family dispute before the family can filing an application for children issues. Although this reform was found to have failed at the protection of the children and their caregivers. There are new changes to the Family Law Act as proposed in the Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011, brings a step in the right direction of the protection of children and their family members. The new proposed legislation in regarding to family violence it broadens the definition of family violence which widens the elements of family violence, also this reform has added a broader definition and understanding of child abuse and the include of the exposure to violence, as children are usually exposed to violence weather its from television shows such as cartoons, physical violence by caregivers, or something they might see as an favourite character might act out. This may put a thought in the child’s mind that there is nothing wrong about violence and they grow up to conduct violent acts towards others. The new reform also enhances the safety within the family law system. The Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Act 2006 (Cwlth), is about protecting the child. The reform puts the child in the consideration as an priority. ‘Factiliation’ and ‘Friendly parent provision is removed so that serious actions of family violence are not terred and actions are taken by a parent to protect their child from the abuse. This proposed Family Law Act, Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011, shows a significant change in the Family Law Act in protection of the child and their caregiver from family violence. This is amendment especially focuses on the safety welfare of the child.