This week, Minister of Justice, Andrew Little introduced the Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Bill.
This arises from the report of the Independent Panel Te Korowai Ture ā-Whānau, which examined the effectiveness of the 2014 family justice reforms, which recommended many changes.
There will be amendments to the Care of Children Act and the Family Dispute Resolution Act, if the bill is approved.
The bill looks to establish children’s participation as a guiding principle, enhancing children’s participation by supporting and informing them through the process.
Andrew Little says that the bill will focus on the needs of children rather than the dispute surrounding them.