Encouraging conversations about culture : supporting culturally responsive family dispute resolution

This report describes the second stage of research to investigate culturally responsive family dispute resolution (FDR). The research aimed to identify the perspectives of family dispute resolution professionals about what would support them to develop a culturally responsive service and practice. The research used mixed methods: a survey and interviews with professionals. The findings demonstrate a high level of self-reported cultural responsiveness by FDR professionals, and a very strong desire to extend this capacity. The strategies suggested as most useful to deepen their understanding of culture in FDR involved collaborative conversations with their colleagues and with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The research identifies effective, service-centred professional development activities to support and sustain this development.