KIDS IN DISTRESS
AUSTRALIA INC
OUR MANDATE
The Welfare and Future of Our Children
Background
In 1975 the no fault divorce rules came into force. This meant that the normal tests of morality and behavior such as drug addiction, infidelity, gambling, and violence were irrelevant to a divorce. Irretrievable breakdown of marriage was the only criteria. However, in child custody issues an adversarial system exists where allegations of fault must be fought with admissible evidence.
It is unusual to collect this type of evidence throughout the course of a relationship that will hold up to the requirements of the court system. For example, domestic violence is often hidden from the public eye and child abuse is secretive and signs are not easily identifiable.
Allegations of abuse towards a child are viewed as being manipulative and the benefit of 'meaningful contact' with an abusive parent is held to outweigh the 'risk of abuse' towards a child. Clearly, something is wrong.
SOMETHING IS WRONG
Something is wrong with the Family Court when our most vulnerable society members, children, are not afforded protection and safety from violence and harm.
OUR VISION
Through the sharing of experience and knowledge, plus open, respectful discussion, to work towards a better life for our children; where parenting responsibilities are honoured in an environment that is loving, safe and non abusive for all men, women and children and legal process is protective of children, not adding to their distress and adding yet another variation of abuse.
OUR PURPOSE
To gather and disseminate information regarding the implementation of the Family Law Act in regards to serious abuse allegations in matters of child contact and residence
OUR FOCUS
The current trend of ordering children to participate in contact with parents whom are abusive towards them.
The removal of a parent from a child's life because they are protective of that child in the situation above.
The failure and/or inability of Child Protection Services to fully investigate and/or substantiate child abuse allegations.
The failure of the legal system in general to protect child victims of abuse.