As of 21st October 2025, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2) (“Family Court” otherwise referred as “FCFCOA”) have proudly launched 2 initiatives:

• the Courts’ Children’s Charter; and 
• Kids’ Corner

What is the aim of these initiatives?

The Children’s Charter

Essentially, the aim of these initiatives is to re-centre decision making in Family Court proceedings to focus on the well-being of children. The charter embarks to prioritise children’s autonomy; affirming children’s right to express their views; or alternatively not express their views, on matters that directly affect them. The Children’s Charter sets out the Courts’ commitment to child-centred practice in a clear and accessible way, stipulating ten foundational principles that promote ‘safety, dignity and participation.’

Kid’s Corner

The new charter is complemented alongside the “Kids Corner” website. This aims to humanise the legal process through age-appropriate mediums; in aim of protecting children’s wellbeing while empowering them with understanding and their voice mattering. This resource aims for children to more specifically:

• Understand their circumstances;
• Understand their rights;
• Help with processing their feelings through featured videos;
• Guides explaining:
  
  • The litigation process;
  • How courts function; and
  • How the court reaches decisions about their living arrangements and whom they spend time with.

The Lead up to these Major Changes

Transparent conversation about the potential harms and emotional impact family disputes have on children have consequently led up to this shift of intent, to focus on children's safety, wellbeing and long-term development.

Arising from a 2021 report from The Whitlam Institute, it found that children who have experiences within the Family Court process often feel “powerlessness”, yet they are often the most affected.

This is in line with Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, (which requires governments make the Conventions’ principles and provisions widely known to both children and adults. This means states must take "appropriate and active means" to inform everyone about children's rights) and makes law accessible to all ages, humanises the legal process for children, through age-appropriate information, trauma-informed communication and access to supportive services.

Anne Hollands, National Children’s Commissioner, expressed her views recently about the changes:

‘I commend the Courts’ leadership to ensure that ‘the safety and wellbeing of a child is the highest priority’…‘their views must be listened to and respectfully considered.’

The Hon Judge Kylie Beckhouse, Judge of the FCFCOA (Division 2) also remarked:

‘Today marks an important milestone in our Courts’ ongoing commitment to children and young people’.

VRT Stance on this Reform

At the heart of the reform lies a powerful shift, to reduce harm and restore agency to children navigating the daunting Family Court system. VRT considers that the FCFCOA has made a major step in the right direction, seeking to support and uplift children with separating parents facing a family law dispute that have been developed alongside child psychologists, advocates and young people sharing the experience of family law disputes.

It is not a controversial stance for us to stand in solidarity with these amendments. VRT has always led with this moral code at the heart of our firm – ensuring proceedings remain child-focused rather than parent-driven, and that children are active participants in life-altering decisions. We welcome this standard to now be adopted across all firms.

Ultimately, these changes uphold the principle that every child has the right to be heard and to understand the world that’s deciding their future.