Coinciding with National Children's Week, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2) (the Courts/FCFCOA) today proudly launched the Courts' Children's Charter and Kids' Corner - two new initiatives designed to support children whose parents are separating and are involved in family law proceedings.
The Children's Charter outlines the Courts' commitment to placing children at the centre of decision-making in a way that promotes their safety and wellbeing. Supporting this, the Courts have also developed a dedicated Kids' Corner on their website, featuring two short animations and age-appropriate information and resources to help children understand what happens when families go to court.
The launch was livestreamed and can be accessed via the Courts' YouTube channel .
Quotes attributable to:
The Hon Justice Alice Carter, Judge of the FCFCOA (Division 1) and Chair of the Courts' Children's Committee:
Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that 'Everyone should know about children's rights.' The FCFCOA is committed to honouring those rights through the Children's Charter, our child participation framework, and initiatives like Kids' Corner.
The Hon Judge Kylie Beckhouse, Judge of the FCFCOA (Division 2):
Today marks an important milestone in our Courts' ongoing commitment to children and young people. The Children's Charter outlines the Court's commitment to placing children at the centre of decision-making, guided by ten foundational principles that promote safety, dignity, and participation. In developing the Charter, we have spent considerable time consulting with experts, listening to children's voices, to ensure that the Charter and other resources are both informative and empowering.
Ms Anne Hollonds, National Children's Commissioner:
Providing information about the process is critical to ensuring the safety, rights and wellbeing of children whose families go to court for decisions that will directly affect the child's life. Children have said that in the past they were 'kept in the dark'. I commend the Courts' leadership to ensure that 'the safety and wellbeing of a child is the highest priority' and that 'their views must be listened to and respectfully considered.'
Ms Janet Carmichael, Executive Director - Court Children's Services:
The development of Kids' Corner, which includes two new animations, was informed by extensive consultation with experts in children, and most importantly, children themselves. This resource reflects our commitment to making the family law system more child-friendly and in ensuring children are able to safely participate in decisions made about them.
About the Children's Charter
While the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in family law parenting matters, this principle also guides how the Courts and associated services interact with children. The Children's Charter sets out the Courts' commitment to child-centred practice in a clear and accessible way.
About Kids' Corner
Separation can be a confusing and emotional time for children. The Kids' Corner webpages provides age-appropriate answers to common questions children may have when their parents are involved in family law proceedings. It explains what happens in court and how decisions are made about where children live and who they spend time with.
The site also features two short animations:
The Kids' Corner will be available from 1pm Tuesday 21 October 2025.
