An integral part of the New Zealand Family Court system is the state-funded legal representation of children. Lawyers entrusted with these duties must possess a range of skills to enable them to represent children effectively in care and protection cases, in addition to facilitating children’s participation in respect of parenting arrangements.

This workshop introduces participants to the full range of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to carry out the role effectively.

By the end of the workshop participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the current role of lawyer for child and ongoing changes to the nature of that role as a result of legislative changes.
• Examine their own values and beliefs in a more informed manner and understand how these might affect the way they carry out the role.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to communicate with children and the ability to put them into practice.
• Show some understanding of child development issues in planning and evaluating their interventions.
• Identify strategies for addressing the potential for conflicts of interest when the views of a child do not necessarily correspond with what the lawyer considers may be in their best interests.

Learning objectives

You will gain an understanding of the role, the skills required to communicate with children, child development issues, and strategies for addressing conflicts of interest when the child’s views don’t correspond with their own best interests.

Format

A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used and a high degree of active participation is required.

Who should attend

Lawyers who are considering seeking listing as lawyer for child. Participants should have a minimum of four years of experience in the Family Court.

Presenters

• Wendy Kelly, Psychologist, Wellington
• Lisa Samusamuvodre, Matariki Chambers, Manukau
• April Trenberth, Clinical Psychologist, Auckland
• Jason Wren, Barrister, Christchurch

Materials

Course materials will be couriered to you

Timing

• Day 1: 9.00am – 5.00pm & course dinner 6.30pm
• Day 2: 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Day 3: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Fee (incl GST)

Workshop

• $1,695 - NZLS members and Associate members
• $2,203 - Non-members

Do you want to register more than one person for this course? Use the multiple registration button below or Click here 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust. Applications for assistance must be received by: 5pm on Monday 12 February 2024.
Late applications cannot be considered.

Please note: You must still register to attend this course, either online or by completing a registration form.

Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form

Download PDF brochure and registration form

Cancellation and refund policy

You may cancel your registration eight working days in advance of an event, and you will receive a refund less a 25% administration fee. If you cancel less than eight working days in advance of the event, no refund is payable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person. If you wish to do so you must advise CLE in writing of the change. NZLS CLE Ltd reserves the right to close registrations and cancel or reschedule an event as necessary. Where an event is cancelled by CLE, a full refund is payable.