First Nations Family Dispute Resolution

Overview

The Australian Government is inviting applications via a restricted process to apply to deliver services under the Families and Communities Program – Families and Children Activity – Family Law Services Sub-Activity – for 1.5 years from 2022–23 to 2023-24. Services delivered under this program must be child-focused and should have an emphasis on early intervention and prevention. Services must aim to provide alternatives to formal legal processes for families who are separated, separating or in dispute to improve their relationships and make arrangements that are in the best interest of their children. The objectives are to: support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families in a culturally safe setting to negotiate outcomes in the best interest of children, resolve separation and divorce issues, and improve their post-separation relationships align with Priority Area 2 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap by building formal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors to deliver services to support Closing the Gap. The intended outcomes are to: establish new culturally safe and appropriate family dispute resolution service models facilitate sustained capacity development and continue building on the strengths of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) through investment, workforce development and fostering partnerships between ACCOs, mainstream services and government.