Page 4 - AFCC Australian Conference 2018

Preconference Institutes
Thursday 16 August 2018
Introduction: AFCC Training for Family Report Writers
Dr Simon Kennedy
Clinical and Forensic psychologist, Melbourne, Victoria
Dr Phil Watts
Clinical Psychologist, Perth, Western Australia
Dr Jennifer Neoh
Clinical Psychologist, Melbourne, Victoria
Dr Ben Jones
Forensic Psychologist, Melbourne, Victoria
Four modules comprising an introduction to Family report writing. The modules include:
● Introduction to Family Law
● The Legal Interface – Understanding Evidence and Duty to Court
● Assessment of Families and Report Writing
Room: Ballroom A 9.30 am – 4.00 pm
● Risk Assessment
High Con ict Separations, Alienation & Children Resisting Contact with Parents
Room: Ballroom B Professor Nicholas Bala 9.30 am – 4.00 pm
Professor Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
Mr Vincent Papaleo
Clinical Psychologist, Melbourne, Victoria
This workshop will look at appropriate responses to cases involving problems with children resisting contact with one parent including early investigation by quali ed professionals and effective management by the family justice system with active case management by a judge. Although mediation and alternative dispute resolution can resolve many of the less serious cases, the Courts can have a critical role in holding parents accountable and encouraging active engagement with mental health professionals. Mental health interventions should involve children and both parents.
These cases inevitably raise issues of emotional abuse, and often allegations of domestic violence or sexual abuse, so the child welfare system also has an important role in protecting the interests of children involved. In some more severe cases of alienation, sometimes the only effective response is to award sole care to the rejected parent and suspend or supervise contact with the alienating parent.
Professor Bala and Mr Papaleo will bring their considerable expertise to providing information about the intricacies of these types of responses.
4. 5th Annual AFCC AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE 2018