The Changing Role of the social Scientist in an Integrated Family Court System
In July 2001 the Family Court of Western Australia (FCWA) in Perth commenced an innovative pilot project to individually case manage matters involving allegations of spousal and family violence, and child and/or sexual abuse where there were significant risk issues - the Columbus Pilot project (Columbus). The Columbus Pilot has acted as a catalyst for change and the emergence of an integrated Family Court System in Western Australia.
Within the Court, judicial officers and counselling service staff (mainly Social Workers) have developed a collaborative case management approach to working, discovering new skills, knowledge and creative ways of case management of families in this very difficult area of family litigation and dispute resolution. Externally there has been a gradual integration of various external support services with the Family Court, and other Court support services, which are providing services and support to families and individuals as they are engaged in a variety of Court, Court Support and therapeutic processes.
This paper will provide an overview of some of these developments, the interrelationship with external services, and present some ideas about the changing role of the Social Sciences in an integrated Court System.