In CPAG’s report The complexities of relationship in the welfare system and the consequences for children (#4582) CPAG found serious misunderstandings and anomalies in the way mothers with children are treated in the welfare and judicial system. CPAG wrote about the famous Ruka v Department of Social Welfare case on the role of domestic violence in establishing relationship status. CPAG also discussed the learning from that case, and the subsequent evaluation by Barrister Frances Joychild in 1999. CPAG also became aware
of many unsettling, highly disturbing stories, including that of Kathryn H. While Kathryn’s case was discussed in the relationship report, CPAG became aware that there was much more to her story that needed to be told. CPAG believes that Kathryn’s Story will rank as does Ruka, as a landmark case to promote progressive reform, and this report will be a vital resource tool for policy makers, lawyers and judges, teachers and social workers and politicians. (From the Preface). Record #5102