Family Court looks to beat delays: FCFCOA Pilots Lighthouse Project
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is attempting to find new and innovative
solutions for families within the family law system that have experienced family violence or
other safety concerns.
Author: Rachael Parr
22 February 2022
The Lighthouse Project (“the Project”) is a new approach adopted by the Court to screen families for risk.
The Project is being piloted in the Adelaide, Brisbane, and Parramatta Registries.
The Lighthouse Project is a three-part process: –
1. Screening
The Project applies only to parenting matters. When an application or response is filed at one of the three pilot Registries, the Parties will be asked to complete a questionnaire by a confidential and secure online platform known as the Family DOORS Triage. The Family DOORS Triage has been developed specifically for use by the Court and can completed digitally.
2. Triage and Case Pathways
Once the answers to the questionnaire have been submitted, a specialised team will assess and direct cases to the most appropriate case management pathway based on the level of risk assessed. The specialised team will triage matters and identify parties who may require additional support and safety measures.
3. Case Management
Parenting cases will be directed into one of the three case management streams: –
a) Evatt List – For families assessed as being at high risk of family violence or other safety concerns.
b) Other case management – For families with low to moderate risk of family violence and other safety concerns. These cases will be directed into the usual case management pathway with a focus on completing dispute resolution to resolve or narrow the issues in dispute, where appropriate.
c) Family dispute resolution – Suitable cases will be targeted for Court ordered family dispute resolution to assist parties to resolve issues as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about The Lighthouse Project, or require any further information about Family Law, please contact our experienced team of family lawyers at Access Law Group at lawyers@alg.com.au or call (02) 4220 7100 to book your free initial consultation.
