The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is the main court dealing with family law matters in Australia.<\/p>\n
A key focus for the court is family violence, and how to protect vulnerable people and children in the court process. One initiative introduced by the court, aimed at shining a light on family violence and other risks, is the Lighthouse Project.<\/p>\n
Following a successful pilot program, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia last year expanded Lighthouse to family law registries across Australia.<\/p>\n
Lighthouse is aimed at screening risk and identifying the appropriate triage steps and case management pathway for parenting cases based on the risk.<\/p>\n
It is also used to identify services that may be able to support a family through the Court process and create a safety plan where needed.<\/p>\n
Parties in parenting matters at participating court registries are invited to complete a questionnaire \u2013 the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire.<\/p>\n
The questionnaire helps to identify a range of safety risks that can arise in family law matters, including family violence, drug use and mental health issues.<\/p>\n
The questionnaire is confidential.<\/p>\n
You cannot be asked to disclose if you have completed the risk screening.<\/p>\n
Any responses to the questionnaire or information provided in the screening progress cannot be used as evidence in the matter.<\/p>\n
If a case is identified as “high risk”, it will be placed on the Evatt List \u2013 a specialist case management list with more intensive case management and a focus on early information gathering.<\/p>\n
The court aims to have cases in the Evatt List proceed to trial within 12 months of the case starting.<\/p>\n
You cannot ask that a matter be included in the Evatt List \u2013 it needs to occur through the screening process.<\/p>\n
The risk screening process for Lighthouse is voluntary, however can assist the Court to determine the best case management pathway and help identify and triage risk for parenting cases.<\/p>\n
This project highlights the need for families dealing with family violence to be heard and supported and adds to the initiatives in place to address family violence.<\/p>\n
Parents can still apply for Intervention Orders in the Magistrates Court for immediate protection.<\/p>\n
If you require assistance in navigating separation and family violence issues, you are invited to contact the Wightons Family Law Team for an initial free 30-minute appointment.<\/p>\n
This article is general information only and is not legal advice or a substitution for such advice.<\/p>\n