AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES EMBRACE FAMILY LAW REFORMS
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said figures released today show demand for Family Relationship Centre services continued to be high in the first quarter of this year.
A total of 16,818 people contacted Family Relationship Centres for assistance in the 2007 March quarter, compared with 14,110 in the December 2006 quarter.
“I know that the Family Relationship Centre in my own electorate at Dural is a great success and that the figures were testament to the ongoing success of the Australian Government’s family law reforms,” Mr Ruddock said.
“The figures show a steady increase in the number of families accessing Family Relationship Centres to improve their relationships, get help with relationship difficulties or deal with separation.”
Since the first 15 Centres opened last July, 42,892 people have contacted Family Relationship Centres. An additional 25 Centres will open across Australia in July, and another 25 will open in 2008.
“As well as Family Relationship Centres, people can use the Family Relationship Advice Line and Family Relationships Online to find information and services to improve their relationships or deal with relationship difficulties,” Philip Ruddock said.
The Family Relationship Advice Line has answered more than 86,000 calls since July 2007 and 105,376 people have visited Family Relationships Online.
This year, National Families Week emphasises the importance of investing time with family. Getting help with relationship difficulties can prevent family breakdown and strengthen the family unit.
The changes to the family law system also encourage separating parents to sit down and agree on what is best for their children rather than fighting over them.
“The Family Law reforms are changing the culture of separation from confrontation to cooperation and putting children first. It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge that will benefit all Australian families,” Mr Ruddock said.
More information is available at www.familyrelationships.gov.au or through the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321