IHC’s submission on the review of the Family Court
The Minister of Justice invited the public to make submissions on the review of the Family Court. The Minister in his invitation noted that the Family Court was not as efficient as it should be. Costs were escalating with no apparent improvement in outcomes.
IHC’s submission reflects our concerns with Family Court processes that affect disabled children, the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003, and the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988. We submitted that much of the legislation affecting people with an intellectual disability was well-intentioned when implemented, but had been overtaken over time and was now discriminatory.
We recommended training for those involved in court processes around supported decision making and that children with disabilities must be afforded the same rights as all children. Most importantly, we recommended that whenever possible avenues other than the court should be utilised to resolve issues.
