The weaponisation of the child support system has emerged as a recurrent mechanism for perpetration of financial abuse, with cascading consequences for single mothers and their children. This policy brief outlines systemic flaws in Australia's child support framework and proposes targeted reforms that prioritise women's safety and economic security.

This report contains six case studies from Australia and around the world that are examples of evidence-based approaches to reforming child justice systems. It shows how primary prevention, early intervention, integrated services and therapeutic community-based approaches that emphasise family and cultural connections can transform outcomes for children.

An investigation into Services Australia finds that it is not doing enough to identify and respond to financial abuse through the Child Support program. The report found Services Australia's actions were either unfair or unreasonable in addressing widespread manipulation and weaponisation of Child Support. The report makes eight recommendations.

This report identifies shortcomings in the way Services Australia handled a Child Support case involving family violence concerns, including improper processes and communications. It makes several recommendations in relation to Services Australia improving its policies, processes and staff training.

This report draws on the experiences of 675 single mothers who have engaged with the Australian child support system. It reveals how violence is the backdrop to women’s engagement within each stage of the child support process and the compounding impact of violence and poverty. The report makes four recommendations that would reduce the capacity...