The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) introduces significant reforms to the regulation and operation of Children’s Contact Services (CCS) in Australia. These changes aim to enhance the safety and well-being of children during family law proceedings involving contact arrangements.

Key Reforms Affecting Children’s Contact Services (CCS)

• Regulatory Framework for CCS: The Act establishes a new regulatory framework for CCS, ensuring that these services provide safe and child-focused environments for children whose families cannot manage contact arrangements independently. This includes providing neutral locations for supervised visits and transfers between parents.
• Accreditation of CCS: The Act introduces a requirement for CCS to be accredited. Courts can only order time at an accredited CCS or with an accredited practitioner. This ensures that services meet established standards of practice and safety.
• Definition of CCS: The Act provides a clear definition of what constitutes a CCS, distinguishing these services from others such as those provided by child welfare officers or correctional institutions. This clarification helps in identifying appropriate services for court-ordered contact arrangements.
• Exclusion of Certain Services: The Act specifies that certain services are not considered CCS, including those resulting from intervention by child welfare officers or those involving supervision of contact with family members in correctional institutions. This exclusion ensures that CCS are specialized services designed for safe child-parent interactions.

Impact on Family Law Practice

These reforms aim to improve the safety and quality of contact arrangements in family law matters. South Coast Family Law Group can help you navigate this complex system, with one of the requirements on legal practitioners being that they must ensure that any CCS involved in parenting orders are accredited and comply with the new regulatory standards. This may involve verifying the accreditation status of CCS and understanding the specific services they offer to ensure they meet the needs of the children involved.

Contact South Coast Family Law Group today on (02) 4202 6644 or email admin@scflg.com.au to book a confidential consultation with an experienced family lawyer to discuss these changes.