Proposed changes

July 30, 2004

 A national network of 65 community-based Family Relationship Centres to allow resolution of custody disputes without going to court.

 The centres will offer free information, advice, pre-marriage education and up to three hours of dispute resolution

 The centres will be a partnership between the Federal Government and community services such as Relationships Australia and Centacare

 Both parents should be involved in making decisions on issues such as education, religion and place of residence

 Children to have the right to spend time with both parents on a regular basis

 Greater recognition of the role of grandparents

 Cases involving children that go to court would be less adversarial

 Expansion in children's contact services, the Contact Orders Program and men's services, including Mensline.

 Extra $15 million in 2004-05 for support services

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/29/1091080381881.html?from=moreStories