Every child is entitled to protection from harm. Normally it is the child’s parents who provide this protection, but in some situations parental protection fails. When this happens, the State Government has the responsibility of ensuring the child’s welfare needs are met. If there is concern that a child has been harmed, is currently suffering harm, or, has parents or guardians who are unable to provide protection, the Department of Child Safety or the police will investigate, and they may apply for an assessment order. Assessment orders allow the authorities to investigate a child’s need for protection, which is then decided in the Children’s Court.
A child protection order is a directive from the Children’s Court to ensure that the child is protected from harm. If such an order is made for your child, it means that he or she is considered to be in need of protection and that you are unable to provide it. The magistrate or judge of the Children’s Court makes the order after hearing evidence from everyone concerned, and must be satisfied that an order is the only way to secure your child’s safety and well-being.
DA Family Layers can offer representation and advice concerning Children’s Court proceedings. Deborah Awyzio regularly appears in the Children’s Court to represent the children who are the subject of child protection orders and is skilled at negotiating with the Department of Child Safety, having a clear understanding of what principles and guidelines they apply in working with families who have children in need of protection.
Contact DA Family Lawyers Online for more information on Children's Court Proceedings
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