April 2019. Released 16 June 2019.

The primary objectives of this research were to explore and understand the experiences of the post 2014 services for resolving disputes about care including experiences of both out of court and in court processes and more specifically to:
• Identify what is working well and what could be improved;
• Identify any unintended consequences of the 2014 family justice system reforms.

The target respondents for this research were:
Māori parents; Pasifika parents; Parents with disabilities; Children and young people; Parents generally.

Background: In August 2018, the Minister of Justice asked an Independent Panel to examine the impacts of a
package of reforms made to the family justice system in 2014. The 2014 reforms changed the services
and processes available to help separating couples agreeing on the care and contact arrangements for their children.

This research was commissioned to gather feedback and personal experiences of the family justice system
changes made in 2014 from these specific groups. (From the Executive summary).

This report and its appendices were released along with the Independent Panel's final report and recommendations (#6316) in June 2019. Follow the website link for further information. Record #6317