NZ Herald: Give Peace A Chance!

In case it slipped past you, International Day of Peace was on Monday. Established in 1981 by the United Nations the day is commemorated by education and public awareness on issues related to peace. The New Zealand Human Rights blog suggested we mark the day in our homes and communities and asked “who will you make peace with?” With all … Read More

Children often tell researchers they want a voice – not a choice

The clamour of the election is over and we are now heading towards summer – although it’s still a bit chilly out there – but the summery clothes are in the shops – and so are the Christmas decorations. All of which is a reminder to us all to think about holiday arrangements. This can be especially trying for separated … Read More

How Can We More Effectively Listen to Children During Family Disputes?

Reflections on Nationwide Discussions with Anthony Douglas, CEO Cafcass It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work and teach alongside Anthony Douglas, CEO of Cafcass UK (Children and Families Advisory and Support Services), over the last month. Fresh from the UK family law reform environment, Anthony Douglas described to us the work of his organisation, Cafcass with 150,000 … Read More

Anthony Douglas Endorses Jill Goldson

Recognised as a unique expert in listening to the voice of the child during parental conflict, Jill Goldson’s work has recently been endorsed by Anthony Douglas (CBE) who is the CEO of the Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), the largest dispute resolution agency in Europe. Cafcass is based in the UK and works with over 150,000 … Read More

Families and Spider’s Webs

Practitioners and families are watching to see how the family law changes will play out in practice now that we are just a week away from the “go live” date of reforms. How will it be for families who are separating where parents are not agreeing about arrangements? The Minister for Justice, Hon Judith Collins, has reiterated this week that these … Read More

Child Focus and Participation in Family Dispute Resolution

Professional family facilitation is not therapy per se, but is dispute resolution with a therapeutic outcome which prioritises children. – Jill Goldson (2006) Today is Children’s Day in New Zealand and is a good day to highlight the issue of children and their families as the new reforms in family law kick in at the end of March. The New … Read More

Judge Boshier Supports Jill Goldson

Jill also contracts with the Family Court for counselling and is an Expert for the Crown in counselling. Support and backing for her innovative work comes from New Zealand Family Court professionals including Judge Peter Boshier, former Principal Family Court Judge, NZ. You have pioneered children inclusive processes, particularly counselling and mediation. The children in New Zealand are the better … Read More

Helping Our Children to Help Themselves

If we are to have real peace, we must begin with the children – Mahatma Ghandi During times of stress and uncertainty, children tend to turn their fear, anger and anxiety inwards. This common reaction often makes it difficult for parents to know that their child is silently crying out for help. How can parents know if their children need … Read More