WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:36): My question is to the Minister for the Status of Women. Will the minister update the house on the Family Court support program provided by the Women's Information Service?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Volunteers, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting in Early Childhood Development) (14:37): Volunteers have been fundamental to the ongoing success of the Women's Information Service since its inception 30 years ago this year. I have previously informed members of the great work the Women's Information Service does, including the expansion of the outreach program into our children's centres in South Australian rural communities and throughout the metropolitan area. I know this service would simply not be able to operate at the high level that it does without such strong commitment from volunteers. Over 30 women selflessly and enthusiastically give their time and skills freely to make a difference to the lives of many South Australian women.

One of the important volunteer programs run by the Women's Information Service is the Family Court support program. This program provides non-legal support for women attending the Family Court, with particular focus on women who have experienced abuse or trauma. A lack of knowledge and experience of the court system can be daunting and frightening. The Women's Information Service Family Court support program provides assistance by trained volunteers who are able to explain the layout of the court and basic legal processes, as well as give information and referral options for services that can further assist these women. Volunteers for the program are recruited annually and undertake up to 40 hours training, as well as ongoing developmental opportunities provided by the Women's Information Service.

The first Family Court support volunteer training sessions commenced in 2006, and I am pleased to announce that another group of nine volunteers is about to complete the training program and join the team. The feedback from volunteers and women who have been assisted by the scheme has been very positive. A feature of the program is that many of the volunteers are women who have previously had a Family Court experience and want to help other women through this sometimes challenging time. The Family Court support program has just reached a significant milestone. Since it was established in 2006, the Women's Information Service has provided 100 court support sessions, a significant accomplishment for the Women's Information Service. It is indeed a great achievement, it is a great program, and I thank the volunteers for their enormous effort and commitment which has made this program a success.