What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution is a non-adversarial way of resolving arguments and conflicts that arise in family disputes without involving authorities such as the court system. It can be used to resolve many types of dispute provided the nature of the conflict does not break the boundaries of the law.
Common causes of family conflict
Common causes of family conflict
It is well recognised that some of the stages a family goes through can cause conflict. These may include:
- Learning to live as a new couple
- Birth of a baby
- Birth of other children
- A child going to school A child becoming a young person
- A young person becoming an adult.
Each of these stages can create new and different stresses and potential conflict.
Changes in the family situation can also take a toll on the family and contribute to conflict. This may include events such as:
- Separation or divorce
- Moving to a new house or country Travelling long distances to work Commuting interstate for work.
- Change in financial circumstances.
The opinions, values and needs of each parent can also change and they may find they are no longer compatible.
Treatment
Family disputes can be difficult and emotional. When relationships change it can be hard for family members to handle things on their own. There are a number of services available to assist.
- Family Therapy: In family therapy, the therapist applies therapeutic principles while engaging the participation of family members, individually and as a group. Family therapy helps families or individuals within a family to understand and improve the way family members interact with each other and resolve conflicts. In general, anyone who wants to improve troubled relationships can benefit from family therapy. Family therapy can help with such issues as: Marital problems
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Chronic health problems such as asthma, cancer
- Grief, loss and trauma
- Work stress
- Parenting skills
- Emotional abuse or violence
- Financial problems
- Counselling can assist people to change things in their relationships or themselves and assist people to cope with difficulties and stress.
- Mediation can assist people to work through differences and reach an agreement, for instance about parenting responsibilities, finances or communication.
- Group Work can assist people to develop skills, such as anger management, communication and parenting.
- Support Services can offer practical assistance, for instance, contact and changeover centres, or intervention and support for people at risk or in need such as home visits or advocacy.