Stephanie Young is a passionate advocate for a child-inclusive approach to family law, particularly with regard to judicial decision making. A recent graduate of the College’s Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Family Law, Stephanie works in the child protection team for the Department of Family and Community Services.
Her paper on a more child-inclusive approach to family law was the culmination of work for her major project, and was recently accepted for publication in the Family Law Review. Insights spoke to Stephanie about what drives her work as a lawyer, what makes her so passionate about family law, and how she hopes the field will develop in the years to come.
“My role in children’s law is well matched by my passion for advocating for better outcomes for children,” said Stephanie. “The issues are always complex, intriguing and require solutions that you can’t find in a precedent! My College of Law studies ensured I have an advanced understanding of issues so that I can always come up with timely solutions that are based on current trends, case law and possibly innovative applications of the law. I always thought I had a pretty good grasp of my practice area until I commenced my studies and realised you have an opportunity to acquire so much more depth to your knowledge. My advice and my court work are much stronger as a result.
“I love being able to help others come up with solutions that can result in more positive outcomes for everyone and a more positive impact on the long term life of a child. Every day is a new and interesting challenge. The work is never monotonous. Dynamic and constantly changing, it requires an understanding of lots of different areas of law, whilst at the same time allowing me to develop a specialised knowledge of an area of the law. I’m never bored.”
In her submission to the Family Law Review, Stephanie argued for better child inclusion regarding parenting arrangements made by judicial decision-makers.
“I was drawn to this topic because family law matters are becoming more complex, and with increasing issues of trauma for children involved. However, decisions continue to be made without speaking to children about their experiences and wishes. I am passionate about increasing wellbeing outcomes for children and advocating for children’s rights. It’s an area in which we could really see some practical improvement.”
As a lawyer, Stephanie found her studies at the College to be relevant and practical.
“I was never left feeling as though my study was pointless or had no relevance to the work I do every day. The study, topics, assessments, and materials have always been focused on skills building with a direct connection to modern, interesting and relevant learning. Studying never felt like a burden. With the course delivered online, I could easily fit it in around work and family commitments. I never felt as though I wasn’t receiving a substantial amount of teaching, resources and support. Since the teaching staff are busy as well, it fostered a feeling of respect and regard for the demands of study on students. The relevance of the study and the fact that I could immediately transfer my learning to my work also ensured I felt immediate gains from my hard work.”
In terms of change, Stephanie would like to see family law shift from the traditional approach, in which parenting matters are determined at the judicial level.
“Parenting matters are complex and often involve issues of trauma and abuse. At the heart of those matters are children, who currently have no real opportunity to participate in an effective way about decisions made regarding their future. I think an approach which better supports judges to work through and understand the social factors present in a matter will have better long-term results for families and the system. Greater integration of the child protection and family law systems will also be imperative to resolving many matters disputed within our system.”