To be eligible for Lighthouse the case must:
- include a new Initiating Application or corresponding Response seeking either:
- final parenting orders only, or
- final parenting and financial orders
- be filed from, 28 November 2022, in the Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Dandenong, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Parramatta, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville or Wollongong family law registry.
If you filed prior to 28 November 2022, your matter is not eligible, unless you filed an Initiating Application or corresponding Response seeking final parenting orders only, on or after 7 December 2020 in Adelaide, or on or after 11 January 2021 in Brisbane or Parramatta (Lighthouse pilot sites).
You can support your clients by discussing Lighthouse and encouraging eligible clients to partake in the risk screening process. By doing so, you are increasing your client’s opportunity of being provided with tailored support and referrals to support services for any needs or concerns identified during the risk screening process.
As a practitioner/external support agency, it is important to be aware of the following:
- The Family DOORS Triage questionnaire is designed to be completed by the client themselves and from their perspective;
- The risk screening process is confidential – for more information see: Risk screening – Family DOORS Triage above.
Practitioners and external support agencies can:
- Assist clients in completing the risk screen questionnaire by helping them with access to a safe location and safe device (such as computer) to complete the questionnaire on.
- Help to explain or translate the risk screen questions. Noting that if the questionnaire is completed by someone other than the client it may adversely impact the outcomes and support provided.
- Provide clients with the link to the dedicated Lighthouse webpage and information about Lighthouse. Some useful resources include:
- Frequently Asked Questions – provides information about Lighthouse, the risk screening process, registry locations and case eligibility.
- Risk Screening Information Sheet for Parties – provides information for parties undertaking the risk screening process. Translated versions of this fact sheet are also available in 10 different languages.
- Guide for parties in the Evatt List – provides information to assist parties when their matter has been placed on the Evatt List. Please note: Parties are notified by way of formal Court Order if their matter/proceedings have been placed on the Evatt List.
- Safety at court Plans – Information for clients who have concerns for their safety whilst attending in-person Court events.
Yes, your client may choose to disclose to you that they have completed the risk screen or discuss some of the content of the risk screen, including their answers. However, it is essential that you advise your clients that the risk screen and risk screening process is confidential and protected information. You must advise your clients of Part IIA of the Family Law Act 1975, including that all information that is received or generated through the risk screening process, including the risk screen itself, any triage and subsequent referrals are protected. It is important to take this into consideration when discussing the risk screening process with your clients and before placing any evidence before the Court.
No, clients cannot self-refer or be referred to Lighthouse by practitioners, external support agencies or by any other means.
Lighthouse focuses on the early identification and management of family safety risks through risk screening at the point of commencing a matter with the Courts.
After filing an eligible Initiating Application or corresponding Response, all parties are contacted directly by the dedicated Lighthouse Team and invited to participate in the risk screen.
