A new report into Family Court is highlighting feelings of alienation among families.
The report, Whānau Experience of Care and Protection in the Family Court, says they feel ill-informed and unheard during rushed proceedings.
Between October 8 and November 27 last year, 36 whānau Māori from across New Zealand were interviewed. It found 52.5 percent didn't know the role of the Oranga Tamariki lawyer, 44 percent didn't know the role of the Court Registrar nor the Oranga Tamariki social worker, 27.5 percent didn't know the role of child's lawyer, 25 percent didn't know the role of their own lawyer, and 13.5 percent didn't know the role of the judge.
Amohia Boulton, the report's author, says the court is key in parent protection matters. She said families feel intimidated by the process.
"They didn't feel part of the decision-making," she told Newshub. "They felt as if things were going on around them - they had no agency in that space. They talked about how their voice could be better heard in court."
The report suggests judges be trained in empathy and knowledge of Tikanga Reo, and to create a more therapeutic environment.
Dr Boulton said a board could be established to represent the child.
"The idea of a board is it's much more inquisitorial, less adversarial and more about trying to find a solution that works for the child, the court, the family, the community [and] the iwi."
In the report, it's also suggested court hearings could be moved to a marae or take place on Saturdays to allow more time.
