The Family Law system in Australia primarily focuses on the child's best interests (but really, do they do a good job of doing that?) yet the voice of the child is never heard in court proceedings. Although there are mechanisms in place for children to express their wishes, these are often limited and may not adequately reflect the child's perspective or changing circumstances over time.  It's vital that the Family Court establishes robust methods to facilitate children’s participation in the decision-making process regarding their living arrangements.

Furthermore, post-court processes need to allow children the right to revisit and potentially change the court orders as they grow and their situations change. Current procedures can be cumbersome and may deter children from seeking amendments that better align with their evolving needs and wishes.

Statistics reveal that approximately 51% of Australian children will be impacted by divorce by the age of 16, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies. This emphasizes the importance of having a system that genuinely considers their needs and listens to their voices.

A more child-inclusive system can be achieved by:

1. Implementing structured interviews conducted by trained child psychologists or social workers to genuinely understand children's feelings and preferences.
2. Allowing age-appropriate participation of children in court hearings, where they can safely and constructively contribute to discussions.
3. Providing a clear and accessible pathway for children to appeal and modify court orders as their circumstances change.

Stand with me and many other children who need a Family Court system that truly listens to and supports them in making informed, reflective decisions about their own lives. Please sign this petition to urge the Australian Family Court to enhance their processes, ensuring children have a genuine voice in determining their future.