Maximising children's interests after parental separation: the australian experience

This briefing gives an overview of policy developments in Australia aimed at maximising the interests of children when their parents separate. It touches on issues common to a number of countries, in particular attempts to promote a more conciliatory approach through the provision of early intervention and education programs, alternate dispute resolution services and specific services for men. It discusses the re-focusing of counselling and mediation programs as well as describing some initiatives targeted at the resolution of more difficult situations - continuing disputes over children and situations where safety for one or more family members is endangered