Shaping the best system for separating families
It’s common knowledge that support systems for separating families need to be improved everywhere. Thousands of activists choose to work with one part of the system. They hope that will do the trick. This pie chart lets us think more carefully about shaping the best future system for separating families.
For Kids Sake, our Australian founding partner, created this pie-chart to illustrate how to create “a modern approach to family breakdown”. It sets out what our priorities should be if we want to improve the systems of the future and protect children and families from harm.
The chart shows different ways of improving the system:
- Family law reform
- Changed procedures in family courts
- Introduction of arbitration
- Enhanced conciliation
- Early interventions
- Education
The message is clear:
Educational programs and early interventions are likely to improve the wellbeing of separating families and children significantly more than changes to family law.
For Kids Sake
For decades, we’ve given most attention to the thinnest slice of this pie-chart – reforming family law; yet, it’s the least effective way to improve the lives of the most families and children.
Change takes time. For now, at the troubled frontline, everyone can only do the best they can. Yet for any serious re-imagining and changing of future systems, the pie chart helps in shaping the best future system for separating families.
