Rhondda Matthews
Rhondda’s current practice focuses on assessment and report writing. She is a forensic social scientist and Single Expert for the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court, does some counselling (see below) and is a Reg 7 Family Consultant for the Federal Circuit Court of Australia
Rhondda holds qualifications in Social Work and Social Science. She has been working with children and families for over 30 years both in Australia and the UK. Rhondda has extensive experience in the areas of family law, child protection, adoption and fostering, family support and out of home care with children, young people and with people with a disability.
Some of the positions Rhondda has held are; Manager of Uniting Counselling and Mediation service Parramatta, Manager of Fairfield Family Relationship Centre, Family Consultant at the Family Court and Federal Circuit Courts of Australia (Sydney & Parramatta) , Official Community Visitor, Senior Child Protection and Senior Child Care Practitioner..
Rhondda established the Family Relationship Network at the end of 2017 to meet the need for affordable services by experienced and flexible practitioners in the area of family law. Rhondda also aims to provide an opportunity for newer workers to obtain experience under close supervision in this very specialised area of social work.
The cost of a Family Report is $6600.00 for a report with two children and two parents/carers and an extra $500 per extra child and any additional adults that need to be included.
A reduced fee is available in some cases. ICL's can contact Rhondda directly to discuss this.
Brief Solution Focused Family Therapy (BSFFT)
Rhondda offers Brief Solution Focused Family Therapy for families who are currently in the Court system and for anyone who would like to avoid that course. BSFFT is future-focused, goal-directed, and focuses on solutions, rather than on the problems that brought clients to seek therapy.
This process is reportable, and Rhondda will provide clients and the Court with a brief report if requested.
The process followed is based on the original research by Janet Johnson. Generally there will be a one hour face to face or telephone interview (depending on geography) with each parent/carer, then a one hour face to face meeting with each child (that can be conducted at the child’s home if appropriate) and then a one and a half hour feedback session with each parent.
Rhondda will continue to work with families while there is evidence that the process is of benefit.
The cost is $180.00 per hour. The expectation would be that each parent pays half of the fee although sometimes one parent/carer is responsible for the fee. The initial cost to a family with two parents and one child would be $540.00 per parent and $90.00 per parent for each extra child. If travel is required, the cost is $50.00 per hour
A report costs $540.00 (so $270.00 per parent). Further consultation is $180.00 per hour.
PH: 0423165668 email: rmatthews@familyrelationshipnetwork.com.au
Rebecca Burnett-smith
Rebecca Burnett-Smith has been an accredited family mediator for the last 15 years. She has her own mediation practice called Kids First Mediation.
As part of her mediation model, Rebecca can provide a child consultation process so that children’s voices can be brought into the mediation.
Rebecca helps her clients to:
*Move from an intimate partnership into a cooperative parenting relationship,
*Reflect on their ideals as parents, and
*Access all the information and tools they need to help their children thrive into the future.
Rebecca has over 25 years experience working therapeutically with children and families from all backgrounds and complexity.
Rebecca is based on the Northern Beaches, however, she is happy to travel to other locations for joint sessions with clients.
Rebecca can be contacted at;
Kids First Mediation
The Lotus Centre, 2/13 Dale St, Brookvale 2100.
Mob: 0403 669 391
Email: rebecca.burnettsmith@gmail.com
Website: www.kidsfirstmediation.com
DAVIDE DI PIETRO
Davide is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with post-graduate qualifications in psychology and social work. He has experience working in both private practice and the non-government sector since 2010. Davide is also an Accredited Family Group Conference Facilitator and Family Therapist with expertise working with individuals who have experienced trauma and trauma-related stress and anxiety.
Davide specialises in work with parents, young people and families, assisting separated families with court related matters and family relationships post-separation.
In addition to counselling services, Davide has developed a range of specialised services for separating families including supporting parents in growing healthy connections with their children in a safe environment. He has also developed and facilitated a variety of group programs, including "Parenting Post-Separation".
Davide works at the Reliance Centre, Epping and can be contacted on PH:02 9869 0377
LUCIA VARDANEGA
Lucia can be contacted on Mobile:0414642180
Email: lucia_vardanega@hotmail.com
Lucia is a psychologist. She has worked with children and families for 35 years. Lucia’s practice is based in Annandale and in Winmalee in the Blue Mountains.
Lucia began working as a Family Consultant in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court (previously Federal Magistrates Court) in 1986. She now works with families in an assessment and therapy capacity in private practice, including as a Regulation 7 Family Consultant and a family therapist.
Supervised Contact service
Family Ties Contact Service provides contact supervision services across the Sydney area.
The service facilitates supervised childrens contact, visitation, visit reports and changeovers for separated parents where there is a Court Order or a Parent Agreement in place. The team is highly skilled, qualified and experienced. They are committed to providing a service that is affordable, professional and efficient.
Family Ties is managed by two qualified social workers with over 20 years experience in the fields of child protection, family law and supervised contact.
Family Ties are able to provide a independent, specialised services which are tailored to the specific needs of each family. The safety and wellbeing of the child is always their highest priority and is at the heart of every decision they make. Staff are rigorously assessed, hold a current first aid certificate and have both National Police and Working with Children Checks. Their supervisors are friendly, compassionate, child-focused and supportive. The service provides parents with role modelling and guidance on positive parenting in a supportive manner. The supervisors always put the children at the forefront of every decision and will encourage parents and children to engage and interact in meaningful ways.