The purpose of the bill is to reinforce the expectation that a child should have reasonable opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their care and welfare, and to ensure that lawyers who are appointed to represent children in proceedings in a Family Court are suitably qualified to represent the child or young person and that they explain the proceedings of the court to their clients. It also requires lawyers to facilitate the efficient resolution of disputes in order to minimise harm to children, families, and whānau, and also to reinforce the need for the court to recognise and to respond appropriately to family violence, particularly the impact it has on children.