The Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) is calling for feedback on issues relating to the accreditation of Children’s Contact Services (CCS).
AGD said the feedback on its Consultation Paper, Establishment of an Accreditation Scheme for Children’s Contact Services, would help inform the possible establishment of an accreditation scheme for CCS.
“CCS occupy a unique and important position within Australia’s family law system,” the Department said.
“Their core business focuses on the needs of children whose parents are separating or separated and who cannot manage contact arrangements,” it said.
“The Australian Government funds 64 CCS around Australia.”
AGD said the establishment of an accreditation scheme for CCS was a recommendation of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) March 2019 report Family Law for the Future – An Inquiry into the Family Law System and from the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s Family Law System’s interim report, which was released last week (15 March).
“An accreditation system would require all CCSs to be delivered to, and maintained at, a minimum standard that would professionalise the service and ensure the safety and well-being of children, their families and staff,” the Department said.
“The intention is to create a minimum, enforceable standard for all CCS providers, whether it be a privately operated business or a CCS provided by a not-for-profit organisation, including those funded by the Australian Government.”
It said the Consultation Paper proposed a number of parameters for a possible accreditation system and was open for feedback until 14 May.
AGD’s 18-page Consultation Paper, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
