Care & Protection Proceedings

We may be able to help you if you are:

• facing child protection proceedings or are engaged with the Department of Communities – Child Protection;
• experiencing mental illness;
• on a low income or experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford the services of a private lawyer.

Please note, that as our resources are limited, priority will be given to parents who have mental illness or mental health issues raised as a risk factor by the Department of Communities in their application to the court (or pre-birth investigation/intervention).

Our team works seamlessly to support your needs and circumstances:

• our lawyers provide parents with legal advice and representation in court throughout the care and protection proceedings. They can also link you to other legal services for related legal issues.
• our community workers work with parents and families to ensure you are seamlessly linked in with, and receive, the services you require such as housing, financial counselling and mental health.  Our workers can also accompany you to out-of-court meetings with caseworkers and service providers.

This approach was developed with input from representatives from across the legal fraternity, as well as health and community sectors, with the aim to address your integrated needs.