Family Law Pathways Project

 

The Toowoomba Family Pathways Network The Toowoomba Family Pathways Network (TFPN) was established in August 2008 through funding provided by the Commonwealth Department of Attorney General. Family Pathways Network groups were funded as a result of the “Out of the Maze” report in 2001 which found that there was a need for greater coordination of the various elements of the family law system.  Better models for delivering an integrated response to separating families through close collaboration and partnership between relevant stakeholders, including the Family Court of Australia, the Federal Magistrates Service, Child Support Agency, Legal Aid, Centrelink and non-government organisations were developed as a result. The Attorney General’s Department currently funds over 20 Family Pathway’s Networks across Australia. Auspiced by Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld, the Toowoomba Family Pathways Network project is co-ordinated by a Reference Group and resourced by a Project Worker that works one day a week. The Network currently has approximately ten Reference Group members who meet bi-monthly with a dual purpose of exchanging information between members and arranging a program of activities for the broader membership base. Membership is open to any organisation or individual that provides services to separating families. Key Objectives of the Network are:
  1. To establish and maintain links with a range of services who assist separated families with their relationships.
  2. To establish a contact list of members.
  3. To organise professional development seminars and training across a range of issues.
  4. To review current referral systems and build on opportunities to work collaboratively.
  5. Hold regular Reference Group meetings and opportunities for information exchange and dissemination of relevant information.
  6. Promote awareness of the changes to the family law system and increased focus on the best interests of the child during family separation.
  7. Work with other service providers to provide a collaborative, integrated service system.
Activities and events are aimed at getting practitioners talking together on issues of common interest or concern and to inform and update practitioners on relevant matters related to working with families and individuals engaged in a highly entrenched familial conflicts and family law mediation. These activities seek to enhance service delivery through stronger cooperation and collaboration between all stakeholders and facilitating information exchange between members of the sector and the community.  In 2009, the Toowoomba Family Pathways Network has scheduled events that seek to address current topics of relevance for a wide audience with specific emphasis put on achieving a high degree of interaction between speakers and audience to secure a satisfactory learning outcome after attending the seminar. If you are interested in joining the Network and/or contributing to the planning and hosting of events for 2009, please do not hesitate to contact the TFPN Project Worker (Deanne Whittaker) on 0439 745272 or Email twmbafpn@yahoo.com.au.