An app that helps separating and separated parents to communicate better with each other, avoid arguments and protect their children from conflict or from being used as messengers will be available in New Zealand through the Family Works Resolution Service from February.
We are here for you.
Our FWRS service is open for business at Alert Level 2
Your family’s wellbeing and safety is our top priority. Please call 0800 737 6583 and let us know how we can help.
In the meantime, here’s an update from the Principal Family Court Judge.
CHILDREN IN SHARED CARE – AND COVID-19
Generally, children in the same communities can continue to go between their homes, unless:
- the child is unwell. In this case the child should not travel between homes until they are well..
- someone in either home is unwell.
- someone involved (i.e. the child or people in the home they have been in or will go to) has been overseas in the last 14 days, OR has been in close contact with someone who is currently being tested for Covid-19 OR has been in close contact with someone who has the virus or is being tested.
- Parents and caregivers should discuss if shared custody arrangements would allow COVID-19 to potentially spread without them being aware and reach an agreement. This may mean the child may stay with one parent/caregiver for the initial 4 week period.
- Where children cannot move between homes, the Court would expect indirect contact – such as by phone or social media messaging – to be generous.
- Parents must put aside their conflict at this time and make decisions that are in the best interests of the child and their families and the wider community.
Judge Moran emphasises that children are precious and that, more than ever, this is a time to focus on their wellbeing, and in particular their safety. It is important that their loved ones are also safe and well, and that children know that, and are able to see their parents and caregivers lead by example.
Call us on 0800 737 6583 if you need to talk with someone at FWRS.
About Family Dispute Resolution
What we do
We help separating, separated parents and other extended family members, guardians and caregivers to find solutions to day-to-day care of their children and other issues by facilitating discussions for family dispute resolution.
We make sure children’s thoughts and feelings are always heard and any agreements made are always in their best interests.
How we can help
We can help you every step of the way by taking into account your unique issues and providing coaching so you can better communicate your interests.
We have child consultants who will meet with your children individually and make sure that their thoughts and feelings are conveyed in the Family Mediation meetings.
You will be supported by professional, experienced Family Mediators who will work with you and all parties involved until you reach an agreement.
We’ll help you face your challenges as a separated parent through the ‘Parenting through Separation’ programme accredited by the Ministry of Justice.
Where it is offered
Family Works Northern provides Family Dispute Resolution Services throughout the upper North Island.
Services are available in:
Family Mediation
Family Mediation – NZSL
Stage 1
Familiarising Yourself with the Process
Once you ring us, one of our friendly service center coordinators will talk you through the family dispute resolution process. Read more >
Stage 2
Discussing Your Situation
A Family Mediator will meet with you for a maximum of 60 minutes. At this point, you will be able to describe your situation in more detail. Read more >
Stage 3
Coaching
You will have a one-on-one coaching session with a qualified coach where you can get some tips on how to approach the other party and how to communicate your thoughts and feelings effectively.
Read more >
Stage 4
Family Mediation Meetings
With your Family Mediator in attendance, you and the other party will be invited to sit in the same room (unless safety is a concern) and discuss the issues. The Family Mediator will help you to have a productive session, working towards an agreement. Read more >
Find out more about our Family Mediation services
Get in touch with us
Phone: 0800 RESOLVE (0800 737 6583)
What others say
About Family Works
Family Works provides a range of social services that support families and children. We are contracted to the Ministry of Justice to provide a full range of Family Dispute Resolution services.
Family Counselling
Enabling families to work through their conflict.
Parenting Programmes
Encouraging and improving parenting skills.
Helping tackle poverty
Emergency food parcels and intensive financial mentoring.
Family Workers
Walking alongside families, helping them rebuild their lives.
Play
Helping boys and girls work through the pain they struggle to express.
Partnership
Partnering with other agencies. Creating stronger communities together.
Want to know more about Family Works Northern? Find out more
Are you located in the South Island? Visit Family Works Central
Family Violence or Abuse
If you fear your (ex) partner and/or you are being physically or emotionally abused by your (ex) partner, you can ring the Shine family violence Helpline for confidential support and information at 0508-744-633. This Helpline is free to call from any phone in New Zealand, and operates 7 days a week throughout the year, from 9am to 11pm. Shine Helpline staff will listen and help, and can provide information, safety planning advice, and referrals to other related domestic abuse services.
For more information about Shine and more about family violence/abuse…
News
A Great Milestone for FDR
The Family Works Resolution Service has now worked on 3000 cases, helping more than 15,000 children and about 6,500 parents and caregivers.
Mediation Saves 5,000 Children from Trauma of Family Court System
Children are affected by separation more than many parents realise, says Timothy McMichael who heads the family dispute resolution service provided by Family Works Northern.
