First, Do No Harm: Fundamentals of Public Family Law and the Wellbeing of Tamariki (Paper)

Materials comprised of a Paper and PowerPoint Handout.

Presenters:

Her Honour Judge Parsons, Her Honour Judge Otene; Alison Cleland, Senior Lecturer, AUT and Anthony Dickson, Principal Advisor, Oranga Tamariki

Synopsis:

The care and wellbeing of all children is of the utmost importance to most people in Aotearoa. Yet the rationale behind the constitutional principles and the legislative scheme is little known, let alone well understood. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge and understanding can translate into poor presentation and argument of Oranga Tamariki cases. Providing an essential understanding of the context and nature of the legislation, these materials will help lawyers better comprehend – and perform − their role in this crucial area.

These materials will help you:

• Get to grips with the family public law framework within which Oranga Tamariki work sits.
• Explore legislative purposes, principles and decision-making processes.
• Focus on the critical jurisdiction touchpoints of intervention, disposition and supervision.
• Understand the statutory mechanisms to meet care or protection need including by orders for services, support, custody and guardianship.
• Benefit from receiving insights into Oranga Tamariki’s perspective, including how the legislative changes have played out and what’s ahead for the Ministry.
• Become more familiar with key decisions, to assist with best practice.

Intended Audience:

All Family lawyers (and those interested in practising in Family law) and general practitioners undertaking some Family law work