Understanding Children’s Court Processes and Decisions: Perceptions of Children and Their Families

Abstract

This article presents preliminary findings regarding children’s and families’ experiences of Children’s Court proceedings in which they are participants. The findings come from a systematic review of Australian and international qualitative literature in relation to how children and their families perceive and understand these court processes. The review reveals that we know little about children’s and parents’ perspectives. However, their insights are vital so that courts can reasonably address issues and concerns, give effect to obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989 and foster a problem-solving, therapeutic court approach.