Preliminary Family and Parenting Short Report (Private Family Report)
After many years of working in family therapy, including having matters referred from the court Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), it has been becoming more apparent to me that families are unnecessarily experiencing disharmony within their family dynamic and sometimes the result is negative parental relationships. This is not in the best interests of the child(ren) or the family. Too often, this has been due to the breakdown of the family relationship, where the family unknowingly continues in a cycle of conflict because no pertinent issue(s) are being identified or addressed to assist the family from the outset.
When families are referred for assistance from a family therapy perspective, I have been able to identify and address the issues with the family on then work to rebuild the important parental relationships that form the basis of their lifelong bonds. This helps the family to have a much better understanding of their role both individually and independently in the family dynamic. It also promotes a co-parenting relationship with guidance and support throughout the process.
My aim is provide an overview of the parenting preferences, identify any potential family and parenting issues at this very preliminary stage of the process and work to prevent further breakdown and unnecessary conflict within the family dynamic. I believe that such intervention early is vital and in the best interests of all involved, particularly the children.
Too often, families are left to go through litigation systems that do not promote or focus on good parenting or in the best interests of the child(ren). They promote conflict!
For further information and relevant fee schedule please contact the office.
“Perhaps the best way and more mature means of releasing thoughts and feelings about another parent and how awful the other parent is, would be to talk with a therapist, in a safe and confidential environment, and not with or within hearing distance of the child(ren).”
— Josephine Byrnes-Luna
What is a Preliminary Family and Parenting Private Report?
A Preliminary Family and Parenting Short Report is a private family report and is conducted at the early stages of separation and often at the very outset of family law proceedings, such as prior to any interim orders being sought before the Court (FCFCOA) and initial contact with legal representatives.
The short priviate family report can be sought by legal professionals or ordered by the Court and can be reportable in relation to family law matters.
This short family report is not a Child Impact Report but rather a very preliminary report to assist in identifying initial family and parenting issues, recommending pathways for the family and parenting arrangements with a further aim to avoid family issues unnecessarily escalating possibly. This short family report also does not have to be ordered by the Court.
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“Everything we do as parents forms memories for our children, even our behaviour, sentiments and words are being observed and learned. Parents need to create happy joyous memories with and for their children so that they have these to look back on and grow from. Any conflict should never involve the child(ren) in any way shape or form, because they will remember. If you purposely deny a child a formidable and deserving relationship with another parent or extended family member, where there is no perceived risk, the child will remember this too. Later in life, in their own natural curiosity they will highly likely seek their own answers.”
— Josephine Byrnes-Luna
Short Private Family Report Aims
This private family report aims to provide a very early-stage overview of the post-separation family dynamic in relation to parenting matters, parenting capacity, communication, cultural considerations and any issues of concern(s) identified by the parties within the scope of the Family Law Act 1975. In addition, the Short Reports also investigates:
Preliminary observations, issue identification, and practical solutions and recommendations for parents, legal professionals, such as family lawyers, FCFCOA and future professional practitioners such as therapists or counsellors to assist families in addressing parenting issues and challenges, at this preliminary stage.
Risks of harm, abuse, neglect and family violence in the context of the family dynamic and the impact on children in the family dynamic.
Benefits of the Short Family Private Report
Provides a very early overview of the family and parenting preferences and how these may suit the needs of the child(ren).
Early assessment can help parents avoid long wait times in the Court and unnecessary Court events before any parenting arrangements can be put in place, which is not always in the child(ren)’s best interests.
Explores options for clear directions for professionals to work with early-on in the process of establishing interim parenting arrangements and what is considered at this time to be in the best interests of the child(ren).
Family Short Report Inclusions
Short private report of observations in relation to the family, parenting dynamic, risks of harm and what is considered to be in the best interests of the child(ren) at the time.
Early overview and assessment of what is in the child(ren)’s best interests and the benefits of a meaningful relationship with their parents.
Face to face interviews with parents independently and then with the children also independently from the parents. This may involve children play observations (where relevant) and movement between the parents on the day, where applicable.
Not included
Individual assessments
Clinical Diagnosis or any diagnosis
Parental and child interactions and observations
Mental health care plan assessment or provision
Deliberation over previous reports
Outline of the Process
Referral for preliminary family and parenting short private reports from legal representatives or Ordered by the Court (FCFCOA), including Orders releasing copies of Court documents and/or material to be provided for consideration in the report.
Parental consent or a Court order for children to be interviewed prior to any appointments of the family.
Confirmation of agreement and undertaking an initial intake and short questionnaire prior to the first appointment for each adult party.
Costs payable by each party prior to or on the day of first consultation (it will be assumed that each party is bearing the costs of the report equally, unless advised or ordered otherwise).
All parties to attend the independent consultation, in a face-to-face setting (unless geographically unsuitable, then online interviews are available).
Sydney CBD appointments, where the family will be required to attend on the same day (when safe to do so) at suitable times.
Report endeavoured to be completed within 2 weeks of final consultation with the parties.
Report released to the parties upon final full payment of the report fee.Individual assessments
