Over recent months, Independent Children’s Lawyers (ICLs) across Australia who have engaged with the new Safe & Together: An Introduction to the Model for ICLs e-course have shared thoughtful reflections on its impact. Many have shared how the training has enhanced their ability to advocate for children through a trauma-informed and domestic and family violence (DFV)-informed lens.
This groundbreaking national training initiative delivered by the National Legal Aid ICL Program in partnership with the internationally recognised Safe & Together Institute underscores our shared commitment to equipping ICLs with the tools and frameworks needed to navigate complex family law matters with clarity, confidence and skill.
Recognising the critical role ICLs play in responding to family violence, The Honourable William Alstergren AO, Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, recently endorsed the course, stating:
“I am delighted to endorse the newly developed Safe & Together: An Introduction to the Model for Independent Children’s Lawyers e-course for ICLs.
As ICLs will know, family violence features in a significant number of cases before the Courts. Our data reveals that 83% of parenting applications involve allegations of family violence, and a significant proportion also involve other risk factors including substance abuse, poor mental health and child abuse. Since 2021 the Courts have worked with the Safe and Together Institute to deepen the understanding of the complexity of family violence and related issues for judges, registrars, Court Child Experts and court staff more broadly. The development of a common language around pathways to harm, patterns of risky behaviour and protective responses has strengthened the Courts’ response to family violence risks.
The Courts are pleased that the Safe and Together model is included in the training of ICLs who play such a critical role in many of the most complex cases before the Courts. Your understanding of the key concepts of the model will not only enhance your skills but will enable you to provide information to the judicial officers in a way that is consistent with their own training and knowledge base. This can only strengthen our collective responses to protect the most vulnerable in our system.”
The course is available on the national ICL website for ICLs across Australia, with extended access for Child Representatives in Care & Protection jurisdictions nationwide. Learn more and access the course here or watch the promotional video.