109. Working as intended - Part 2: What an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) actually is

Nine hundred and fifty dollars. An online module and a one-day workshop. That's the specialist training that qualifies a family lawyer to represent your child's best interests in court - and that's the starting point for part 2 of Working As Intended. In this episode, Danielle walks through the structural reality of Independent Children's Lawyer accreditation in Australia, including the Australian Institute of Family Studies finding that there are no uniform professional development requirements for ICLs across jurisdictions.  From there, the episode pivots into an argument you won't hear in most family law commentary - that the pre-1975 system, however sexist in its assumptions, was accidentally more aligned with what attachment science would later confirm than the reformed system that replaced it. And what the 2006 transactional lens cost children. If you've ever wondered why the person appointed to represent your children's "best interests" appears unfamiliar with what those best interests actually require - this is the longer answer. The episode opens with a brief clarification refining two specific points from part 1. The Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint is the structured way through this work - built for protective parents equipping themselves to advocate for their children with the knowledge the system never required its practitioners to have. AI Danielle is available any time, any hour. Both at danielleblackcoaching.com.au. Support: If you are in Australia and need to talk to someone, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available 24/7. In an emergency, call 000. Explore the supports offered by Danielle Black Coaching The Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint™ 👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com... AI Danielle - Your 24/7 Digital Coach 👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com... 1:1 Coaching 👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com... The music you hear in this outro is 'Calm is Credible' - an original track created exclusively for the Post-Separation Abuse Podcast and Danielle Black Coaching.  You can listen to this song, or download free, by visiting danielleblackcoaching.com.au (https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au) About Danielle Black Coaching: Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience across education, counselling and coaching - alongside her own lived experience navigating a complex separation and family court journey - she supports parents to think strategically, build capacity, and protect their children’s safety and wellbeing within complex legal and relational systems. Through Danielle Black Coaching, she leads a growing team of specialist coaches and a structured support ecosystem designed to provide professionally held, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating high-conflict separation and family court processes. Learn more at danielleblackcoaching.com.au (https://danielleblackcoaching.com.au/) This podcast is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Please seek independent legal, medical, financial, or mental health advice for your situation.