Hearing Children's Voices in Family Law Disputes - for ICLs - 17/07/2025

Date: 17/07/2025

Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm AEST

Join this specialised training designed for Independent Children's Lawyers (ICLs) and professionals working in family law.  

This workshop focuses on the critical role of ensuring that children’s voices are heard and represented accurately during legal proceedings, particularly in disputes surrounding custody and parental arrangements. 

Participants will explore techniques for effectively engaging with children in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner, understanding their needs, and presenting their views in court. The workshop will cover key considerations such as child development, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed practices. Expert facilitators will guide attendees through case studies, practical exercises, and legal frameworks that prioritize the child’s best interests while maintaining neutrality. 

This workshop will provide ICLs with the tools to amplify children's perspectives, ensuring they play a central role in shaping family law outcomes that directly impact their lives. 

Learning outcomes 

At the end of this workshop, you'll have gained: 

• strategies to engage with children in family law disputes in a way that is age-appropriate, respectful, and sensitive to the child's emotional and psychological state. 

• deeper understanding of child development stages and how these influence children's ability to express their needs, emotions, and preferences in legal contexts. 

• practical techniques for interviewing and communicating with children, ensuring their voices are accurately represented without leading or influencing their responses. 

Ideal for 

ICLs and other legal professionals who represent children in family law disputes and want to enhance their skills in engaging with and advocating for children’s voices in court.  

About the presenter 

Natasha Belmont is an FDRP, mediator, restorative engagement facilitator, trainer and clinical psychologist in training. She holds tertiary qualifications in law and psychology. Natasha has worked for Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) in a variety of roles, including leading the family dispute resolution (FDR) and Mediation Training programs, and for Women’s Legal Service as an Education and Engagement Coordinator. She is also involved with various government departments at the state and federal levels for dispute resolution processes and works in private practice. 

Registration information 

• When you register, you'll be taken to our payment gateway to complete your registration. A new account will be automatically created for you in our Learning Management System (Moodle). 

• Registrations for scheduled workshops close 48 hours before the event. 

• Workshops must be paid for at least 2 business days before the training date, or your registration will be cancelled.  

• If paying by invoice, proof of payment needs to be provided at least 24 hours ahead of the event. 

Training Workshops Cancellation Statement [PDF, 1MB]  

Other information 

Please note that you'll need access to the following to participate in this workshop: 

• Desktop or laptop computer 

• Reliable internet connection 

• Headphones recommended 

• Microphone/speakers 

• Webcam (built in or external to your computer) 

Contact us 

Training and Development Team 
Phone: (03) 8573 2222 
Email: ravtraining@rav.org.au