Interdisciplinary Family Law: Empowering Professionals Across the Pacific

Pacifica Congress is an interdisciplinary organisation for family law professionals that supports learning, collaboration, and professional connection across the family law sector.

Its mission is to empower professionals through expert-led conferences, continuing education, parenting coordination training, Family Report Writer development, and collaboration that improves outcomes for children and families.

A Parenting Coordinator is a trained family law professional who helps separated parents implement parenting arrangements, manage conflict, and keep children’s needs at the centre of decision-making.

Parenting coordination is typically used in high-conflict parenting matters where families need structured support, practical problem-solving, and ongoing guidance to reduce disputes and improve compliance with parenting agreements or orders.

A Family Report Writer is a qualified professional, typically a psychologist or social worker, appointed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to conduct independent forensic assessments in parenting disputes.

Operating as a Single Expert Witness, the Family Report Writer prepares impartial, evidence-based reports to assist the Court in determining arrangements that are in the best interests of the child.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting structured interviews and observations with parents, children, and other relevant parties.
• Assessing parenting capacity, family dynamics, and risk factors such as family violence or neglect.
• Preparing comprehensive Family Reports that outline findings and professional opinions.
• Providing expert testimony in Court proceedings when required.
• Working in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975, professional standards, and ethical guidelines.

Family Report Writers require advanced clinical judgement, strong written communication, and the ability to assess complex family systems with independence, sensitivity, and neutrality.

Pacifica Congress provides training and professional development in both Parenting Coordination and Family Report Writing for eligible family law professionals.

Training is generally accessed through membership, with courses and workshops available to members who log in to their account. Pacifica Congress also outlines a pathway for Family Report Writer endorsement that includes membership, introductory modules, masterclass modules, mentoring, and panel review.

To become a member of Pacifica Congress, you need to be a family law professional and apply through the organisation’s membership process.

Membership is designed for professionals working with children and families in the family law system, and Pacifica Congress encourages eligible professionals to join using their professional email address.

Pacifica Congress membership provides access to continuing education, exclusive training opportunities, professional connection, and resources relevant to family law practice.

Member benefits can include access to online educational resources, newsletters, conference updates, Family Report Writing courses, Parenting Coordination training, and opportunities to build professional credibility through endorsement pathways and community engagement.

Organisations can support Pacifica Congress through sponsorship opportunities connected to its forums, conferences, education initiatives, and professional events.

Sponsorship helps Pacifica Congress expand its reach, strengthen professional learning, and create high-value engagement opportunities for the family law community while giving sponsors visibility with a specialist professional audience.