Encouraging Conversations About Culture: Supporting Culturally Responsive Family Dispute Resolutions

In 2008 CatholicCare Sydney and Anglicare Sydney commissioned Dr Susan Armstrong of the University of Western Sydney to conduct a research project to examine culturally responsive family dispute resolution. CatholicCare Sydney and Anglicare Sydney operate Family Relationship Centres in the Sydney suburbs of Bankstown and Parramatta respectively. Both of these locations are characterized by high levels of cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity, as well as socio-economic disadvantage. Recognising the diversity of our local communities and our commitment to ensuring our services are accessible and responsive, the research project explored two key areas – practices to enhance access to family dispute resolution services by people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities; and identifying the core components of effective culturally sensitive family dispute resolution practice. The research report Culturally Responsive Family Dispute Resolution in Family Relationship Centres: Access and Practice – containing over 30 recommendations – was officially launched by the Commonwealth Attorney General the Hon Robert McClelland at the Bankstown Family Relationship Centre in February 2011.