Federal Circuit and Family Court Launches Child-Centered Initiatives

After years of criticism that Australia’s family law system leaves children “in the dark,” the Federal Circuit and Family Court has launched the Children’s Charter and Kids’ Corner website to better support young people during parental separation and family law proceedings.

The initiative responds to reports such as the 2021 Whitlam Institute study on children’s trauma in family cases and reflects Australia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

While psychologists caution that adversarial structures and limited funding still harm children’s wellbeing, National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds says the court’s actions show leadership in addressing these challenges and set the stage for further reform.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Vitalii Vodolazskyi.

Produced By: Susan Hu

Featured In Story: Anne Hollonds, National Children’s Commissioner

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 29 October 2025