Working With Separated Families
Why We Involve Both Parents in Clinical Services
A Neutral, Child-Focused Approach
At Family Minded, we understand that co-parenting after separation can be difficult. Our role is to remain neutral, child-focused, and respectful of the broader family system.
We aim to involve both parents in a way that supports the child’s best interests and clinical progress.
Important:
Recent changes to Australian family law mean that parenting and healthcare decisions are now based on each child’s individual needs, not assumptions about equal shared parental responsibility.
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Why We Aim to Involve Both Parents
It is best practice in child and adolescent psychology to involve both parents wherever possible. When both are informed and working together (even separately), this helps:
We are committed to remaining neutral, transparent, and child-focused at all times. Clinical decisions will be made with the best interest of your child as our focus.
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When Both Parents Are Involved in The Child's Life
When both parents have contact with the child and hold parental responsibility:
When Direct Communication Between Parents is Difficult
We understand that some parents may not be in regular contact with each other. While we encourage collaboration wherever possible, if this is not feasible:
We will do our best to ensure that the same information is shared with both parents as needed,
This helps maintain transparency and support the child across both homes.
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Contact With the Non-Referring Parent
Where both parents share parental responsibility, we offer:
All such contact must:
What If I Don’t Feel Comfortable Involving the Other Parent?
We understand that family situations can be complex, and that involving the other parent in your child’s psychological care may feel uncomfortable or difficult. However, there are legal, ethical, and clinical reasons why we may need to include both parents in your child’s care.
Unless there are formal court orders removing parental responsibility from the other parent—such as:
We may be legally required to include them in decisions about your child’s psychological support.
If your child has ongoing contact with the other parent, involving them can:
What About Intervention Orders (IVOs)?
Our understanding is that most intervention orders or family violence orders (IVOs/AVOs/DVOs) do not automatically remove parental responsibility. Unless a court has made a specific order limiting involvement, an intervention order alone would not prevent us from offering contact or communication to the other parent—particularly if they are still seeing the child.
If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, we encourage you to speak with us so we can clarify this with care and sensitivity.
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When We May Decline to Proceed
There are times when we may decide not to continue with services. These include:
Legal and Court-Related Boundaries
Family Minded does not provide court reports, parenting capacity assessments, or commentary on custody or shared care.
If subpoenaed, attendance is billed according to APS-recommended rates.
Clinical summaries may be requested if:
Our summaries include:
They will not include opinions on parenting arrangements or legal matters.
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Let’s Talk About It
If you’re unsure about what applies to your family’s situation, please talk to us. We’ll listen, guide you through the next steps, and work with you to ensure that your child receives the care they need—while respecting your family’s context, your child’s safety, and our legal obligations.
At Family Minded, we understand that co-parenting after separation can be difficult. Our role is to remain neutral, child-focused, and respectful of the broader family system.
We aim to involve both parents in a way that supports the child’s best interests and clinical progress.
Important:
Recent changes to Australian family law mean that parenting and healthcare decisions are now based on each child’s individual needs, not assumptions about equal shared parental responsibility.
---
Why We Aim to Involve Both Parents
It is best practice in child and adolescent psychology to involve both parents wherever possible. When both are informed and working together (even separately), this helps:
- Strengthen therapy outcomes for the child,
- Promote consistency across households,
- Reduce misunderstandings or conflict between parents.
We are committed to remaining neutral, transparent, and child-focused at all times. Clinical decisions will be made with the best interest of your child as our focus.
---
When Both Parents Are Involved in The Child's Life
When both parents have contact with the child and hold parental responsibility:
- We aim to seek consent from both parents,
- We encourage both to stay informed and, where appropriate, involved in therapy,
- We aim to offer consistent communication to reduce conflict and improve outcomes.
When Direct Communication Between Parents is Difficult
We understand that some parents may not be in regular contact with each other. While we encourage collaboration wherever possible, if this is not feasible:
We will do our best to ensure that the same information is shared with both parents as needed,
This helps maintain transparency and support the child across both homes.
---
Contact With the Non-Referring Parent
Where both parents share parental responsibility, we offer:
- Occasional brief updates (under 15 minutes) via phone or email, at no additional cost,
- Longer consultations (30 or 50 minutes) via phone or in-person, billed at our hourly rate.
All such contact must:
- Be respectful and focused on supporting the child,
- Be pre-arranged and fit within the clinician’s availability.
What If I Don’t Feel Comfortable Involving the Other Parent?
We understand that family situations can be complex, and that involving the other parent in your child’s psychological care may feel uncomfortable or difficult. However, there are legal, ethical, and clinical reasons why we may need to include both parents in your child’s care.
Unless there are formal court orders removing parental responsibility from the other parent—such as:
- Parenting orders granting sole parental responsibility,
- Parenting orders limiting information or decision making about health care or wellbeing,
- Or other Legal orders restricting involvement.
We may be legally required to include them in decisions about your child’s psychological support.
If your child has ongoing contact with the other parent, involving them can:
- Provide a more complete picture of your child’s experiences,
- Support consistent care across both households,
- Help both parents feel included in the process and committed to shared goals.
What About Intervention Orders (IVOs)?
Our understanding is that most intervention orders or family violence orders (IVOs/AVOs/DVOs) do not automatically remove parental responsibility. Unless a court has made a specific order limiting involvement, an intervention order alone would not prevent us from offering contact or communication to the other parent—particularly if they are still seeing the child.
If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, we encourage you to speak with us so we can clarify this with care and sensitivity.
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When We May Decline to Proceed
There are times when we may decide not to continue with services. These include:
- When one parent refuses to allow any communication with the other parent, and there is no legal, ethical or clinical reason to prevent their involvement;
- When the child is already engaged with another psychologist through the other parent. In this case, dual engagement may not be ethical or appropriate.
Legal and Court-Related Boundaries
Family Minded does not provide court reports, parenting capacity assessments, or commentary on custody or shared care.
If subpoenaed, attendance is billed according to APS-recommended rates.
Clinical summaries may be requested if:
- Both parents consent to the request,
- Fees are shared or pre-arranged,
- The summary is provided to both parents equally.
Our summaries include:
- Clinical observations,
- Session goals and progress,
- Recommendations for therapeutic care.
They will not include opinions on parenting arrangements or legal matters.
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Let’s Talk About It
If you’re unsure about what applies to your family’s situation, please talk to us. We’ll listen, guide you through the next steps, and work with you to ensure that your child receives the care they need—while respecting your family’s context, your child’s safety, and our legal obligations.