In 2006, a series of changes to the family law system were introduced. These included changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and increased funding for new and expanded family relationships services, including the establishment of 65 Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) and a national advice line.
The aim of the reforms was to bring about "generational change in family law" and a "cultural shift" in the management of separation, "away from litigation and towards cooperative parenting."
The AIFS Evaluation of the 2006 Family Law Reforms was based on an extensive research program and provides a comprehensive evidence base on the operation of the family law system.
The Evaluation was based on three main projects: the Legislation and Courts Project, the Service Provision Project and the Families Project.
The research design focused on examining the extent to which key aspects of the objectives underpinning the reforms had been achieved.
The Evaluation involved the collection of data from 28,000 people involved in the family law system, including parents, grandparents, family relationship services staff, clients of family relationship services, lawyers, court professionals and judicial officers. It also involved the analysis of administrative data and court files.
This article outlines the key research questions and findings from the Evaluation.
Family Matters No. 86, 2011
Authors: Rae Kaspiew, Matthew Gray, Ruth Weston, Lawrie Moloney, Kelly Hand, Lixia Qu and the Family Law Evaluation Team.