What Happens At The Conference?
At the conference, the conference officer is an unbiased party. He or she will listen to both parties and will use the information provided by the parties and their employers to determine the amount of support which may be required. The amount of support ordered is based on both parties’ net monthly incomes, the amount each party is capable of earning, and/or the reasonable needs of the children. In Pennsylvania, the amount of support is determined by using written support guidelines. These guidelines are the same throughout Pennsylvania. In high income cases, a Meltzer calculation will be used which involves a more detailed review of expenses.
• The complainant/s will usually be asked to talk about what happened and how it has affected them. • The respondent/s will usually be asked to talk about what happened, what they did about it and then respond to what the complainant/s said. • Both sides will discuss how they can resolve the complaint. The conciliator may speak to each person separately if this will help to resolve the complaint. • If the complainant/s and respondent/s agree on how to settle the complaint, the conciliator will write up the agreement for everyone to sign. This agreement will be binding. • If there is no agreement the conciliator will ask the complainant if they want their complaint referred to the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal Queensland for a public hearing. NOTE: You can ask the conciliator to stop the conference so you can talk privately with your support person and/or solicitor, or to give yourself time to think.
The Conference Chair will see you before the meeting to explain what will happen. The Conference starts with introductions and time is given for reports to be read. The professional workers present will then share relevant information and their concerns. You will be invited to comment on the concerns and share any information, but you do not have to speak if you would prefer not to. You may be asked to leave the meeting for a short time if there is confidential information which cannot be shared with you at the time. A decision will be made about whether or not your child will become the subject of a Child Protection Plan and if so, what needs to be done next. The Conference will appoint a Social Worker for your child and set up a group of some of the people from the Conference (including yourself) to plan how to keep your child safe.
Sometimes there will be a discussion between the parties and sometimes the parties will be asked to direct their comments to the conciliator. There will be times when agreement cannot be reached on certain issues. This should not affect the overall aim of the conference, which is to achieve an outcome of the complaint. At any stage during the conference either party can request a short break to discuss an issue privately with his/her support person or with the conciliator. Similarly, the conciliator may briefly adjourn the conference to speak privately to one or both of the parties. In some circumstances, negotiations may be conducted by separating the parties and having the conciliator act as a go-between.
