Meeting children's needs

In recent years in family law there has been a drive towards shared or equal child care arrangements when parents separate. This can seem equal and fair, with an emphasis on continuing relationships with both parents.

However, there is no evidence of a positive association between contact and children's well being, because there are so many variables involved. Research shows that, whilst shared care can work for some families, it has a negative impact on many children. Shared care legislation in Australia has increased domestic abuse and gender economic inequality.

The emphasis on settlement and contact means a history of poor parenting, abuse or lack of commitment are often minimised or ignored. Mothers are often coerced into agreeing to arrangements which they believe are developmentally inappropriate or unsafe for their child.

Where there is poor parental communication and/ or conflict, court ordered shared care arrangements inhibit continuity and consistency of care, and place children in the middle of conflict, with no emotional bridge between the two houses.