TheFamilyFamilyLawWorkbookpart3.doc

Edith Cowan University

School of Law & Justice

Name: _____________________
CRI2105

The Family and Family Law

This workbook is the final assessment for this unit. You will need to incorporate the feedback from your second workbook into this final product.

It is imperative that it contains arguments that are supported by
academic research and literature.
You will need to proof read this document as marks will be deducted for ‘sloppy’ work, spelling errors etc. or any other issues that have been commented on in your second workbook that have not been incorporated.
For the questions, it is again important to consider the social, psychological and legal perspectives, using the relevant literature, research and legislation. This final instalment should challenge your thinking and complete your understanding of the complexities of families interacting with the legal system.
TASK ONE
Gay & Lesbian Parents

This issue of same sex parenting has received attention with the increased acceptance of gay and lesbian partnerships. However, there has still been debate in the community on whether children ‘need’ both a ‘mother’ and a ‘father’ to make them happy and secure and psychologically healthy. Again, there is a question of what is in a child’s best interests.

Find the latest literature in the area, and develop a case either for or against same sex parenting. As a starting point you may need to consider;

· What does the literature indicate about gay and lesbian parents?

· Is there any evidence to suggest that same sex parents do or do not make good parents?

· Does the literature suggest any positive or detrimental outcomes for children?

· What is the legislation in the area?
This is not an opinion piece and your argument must be based on psychological literature and not on philosophical or religious perspectives. Your answer must be guided by the research and literature in the area.

Total word count: approximately 1,500 words

The answer should be succinct and fully referenced

Minimum of 15 references required

(Journal articles only ) and peer reviewed

TASK TWO
Surrogacy

These days, many childless couples are turning to surrogacy to fulfil their dreams of having a family. There has been much debate recently regarding the case of ‘baby Gammy’. Therefore there has been an increased scrutiny of couples using overseas surrogacy agencies.

Find the legislation and latest literature in the area, and use it to discuss the points below;

· Discuss the laws in relation to surrogacy in Australia.
· Ensure that you include the legislation regarding obtaining the baby; and

· The rights of the child, birth parents and surrogate parents

· Then, using the research and literature in the area, discuss the psychological and social aspects of using this method to have a family.

Remember, although there is emotion surrounding the case of baby Gammy, you are not writing directly about this case. Your answer must be guided by the research and literature in the area.

Total word count: approximately 1,500 words

The answer should be succinct and fully referenced

Minimum of 15 references required

(Journal articles only) and peer reviewed

TASK THREE
Prisoners Families

In this unit, you have looked at the unique challenges of life for some different types of families. This task requires you to examine the literature on prisoners and their families. You may wish to pick a specific family member (ie. partners, parents, children, siblings). This is a critical thinking exercise, and you will need to consider the research and from whose perspective it is written from.
· Make an annotated bibliography of the articles you have read
· a minimum of 7 articles
· (tip there is ‘fact sheet’ of how to do an annotated bibliography on the Academic Skills BlackBoard page)
· Each annotation should be no longer than two paragraphs
· Following the annotated bibliography – provide a paragraph on the deficits of the literature in the area and recommendations for where further research should concentrate on.
TASK FOUR
Mental Health & Families

Mental illness affects around 20% of Australians every year, but it is treatable. When individuals are suffering from mental illness it often has a ‘ripple effect’ on all other family members (remember the Family Systems Theory!). Different family members are impacted on in different ways depending on the role they play and how much extra care they need to give. To gain a more detailed understanding please complete the following tasks.

· Select a mental illness or disorder

· Define the disorder using the DSM-V

· Consult the literature to understand the impact of the disorder on the individual, and also the way it impacts on the family members

· Explain the legal steps that may need to be taken if the sufferers decision making capacity is diminished

Total word count: approximately 1,500 words

The answer should be succinct and fully referenced

FINAL TASK
Reflection – finally a chance for your opinions only!

On completion of the activities in this workbook, and considering the lecture and tutorial content take some time to evaluate what you have learnt in this unit.

1. What has consolidated what you already knew about The Family & Family Law?

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2. What has changed your opinion after studying this unit, and why?

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3. What would you see as the most challenging psychological aspect of Family Law?

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4. What would you see as the most challenging legal aspect in the future of Family Law?

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5. What would you see as the most challenging social aspect in the future of Family Law?

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CRI2105

The Family and Family Law

Workbook Pt 3

“The Way We Never Were”

Stephanie Coontz

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