The funding for this program was provided though the Department of Social Services (DSS), Families and
Children Programme, Enhanced Social and Community Support Measure (Drought Assistance Package). The
program was cut following the 2016 Federal Budget in May.
Interrelate continues its commitment to supporting these communities through outreach in Walgett and
linking clients to our main offices in Dubbo and Orange.
“
The counselling I have received from Interrelate has
helped get my life back on track after cancer. The service
has given me the tools I needed to put my life back
together and given me the strength to give my son the
help he needed too. I hope this service stays available
locally as their help has been invaluable.
– Drought Assistance client, Cobar
”
Family Dispute Resolution
In the past year, we continued to support many families undergoing the process of separation. In our centres,
more than 3000 couples attended family dispute resolution, an affordable and, for many, a no cost form of
mediation, at most times not involving legal action. In Family Dispute Resolution, parents seek assistance
to resolve separation issues. Our qualified mediators provide information, guidance, and where appropriate,
referral to other support services in a safe and confidential environment. By carefully assessing each case,
families are offered the most appropriate pathway minimising conflict between the parents. Secure and stable
arrangements are developed for the ongoing care and wellbeing of their children. Parents are invited to attend
individual personal appointments with one of our mediators and to participate in our parenting program
Building Connections. The aim is to achieve a parenting agreement containing solutions to which everyone
agrees.
In 2015/16, through the dedicated work of our mediators, 709 Parenting Agreements were formulated
with over 1,400 parents, with 60% of those agreements settling all issues brought to Family Dispute Resolution
by the parents. If parents are not able to reach a Parenting Agreement, continuing support is available
through counselling, further referrals, attendance at one of our group programs and specific initiatives for the
children.. Parenting agreements, whether full or partial, have been shown to substantially minimise conflict
between parents and secure stable arrangements for the ongoing care and wellbeing of their children. This is
a confidential process where one or two trained mediators help parents in conflict come up with solutions that
everyone can agree with.
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