Web resource:	http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pad/reports/2005-FCY-3/2005-FCY-3E.pdf
Type:	Report
Title:	Making appropriate parenting arrangements in family violence cases : applying the literature to identify promising practicesFamily, Children and Youth Section Research Report
Authors:	Crooks, Claire V Jaffe, Peter G Bala, Nick
Keywords:	Legal issues;Child protection;Impact on children and young people;Policy;Family law
Year:	2005
Publisher:	Department of Justice Canada
Citation:	2005-FCY-3E
Notes:	General Overview: This paper was written to assist policy makers and practitioners in Canada but with application elsewhere, when dealing with post separation parenting arrangements in cases where family violence is an issue. Assumptions made in favour of "co-parenting" and "parenting plans" in the majority of separations, may not be appropriate in "high conflict" separations and in situations involving allegations of family violence. Methodology: The authors carried out a literature review in the areas of family violence, child custody and access disputes and high conflict divorce. The analysis is presented in relation to several key areas: General discussion: The authors identify the main findings emerging from the literature review and analysis. They list a range of possible parenting arrangements and discuss the considerations and indicators for each; i.e. co- parenting, parallel parenting, supervised exchange, supervised access and no contact. The paper identifies three critical factors to be taken into account: the context of the violence, the resources available to the family within their community and the stage of the court proceedings. The paper stresses that high conflict cases of separation or those involving allegations of violence must be considered on an individual case basis, free from presumption and policy restrictions. A rigorous assessment must be carried out by practitioners including social workers, psychologists and other professionals. The practical and research divide between the court system and the child protection and medical systems is highlighted as being a major obstacle to achieving this aim. Conclusion: The paper identifies several implications for policy, legislation and resource development. The authors conclude that protocols and legislation are required to guide practitioners and to ensure that the presumption of shared contact does not tip the balance against the protection of at-risk children. The paper states that systemic readiness is essential to ensure that sufficient resources are available to enable a thorough assessment of individual cases and to formulate a sophisticated analysis and response in each case, and to ensure that education and training is delivered to court-related practitioners. Gaps in existing research are identified and suggestions made for future research.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19236
Physical description:	76 p,
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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