Care and Protection Service
Who we are
The Care and Protection service is part of the Family Law Division of Legal Aid NSW.
We provide advice and representation in:-
- Child protection proceedings before the Children's Court NSW under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and appeals arising from such proceedings;
- Proceedings in the parens patriae jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of NSW;
- Applications for compulsory schooling orders under the Education Act 1990;
- Adoption matters; and
- Applications before the Administrative Decisions Tribunal to review a decision by the Department of Human Services to remove a child from an authorised carer.
Who we help
We provide advice and representation to parents, children, young people and others who have a genuine concern for the safety welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person, such as family members or carers.
How we can help
Advice
We provide free legal advice, and where possible minor assistance, to people involved in legal matters with the Department of Communities and Justice (‘DCJ” formerly known as “FACS”) concerning the welfare of a child or young person.
Representation
Parties to Children's Court proceedings can obtain assistance from a duty solicitor on the first occasion that the matter is before the Court.
In the Children’s Court, all children and young people whose matters are in Court will have a legal representative funded by Legal Aid NSW.
Parents and other adult parties may receive representation in Court if they are eligible for a grant of legal aid.
Referrals
We can also provide referrals to other legal assistance providers, such as community legal centres and private practitioners. Please see Contact us below for more information.
Location
There will be a duty solicitor available on all list days at the specialist Children’s Courts Surry Hills, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Port Kembla, Woy Woy and Broadmeadow. A duty solicitor is also available when the Children’s Court sits in regional areas.
Each Legal Aid NSW office undertakes free advice clinics. No appointment is required at the Haymarket office each weekday between 9 am and 4 pm and in Parramatta on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments should be made all other offices.
Contact us
For more information call any office of Legal Aid NSW..
Aboriginal Legal Service - care and protection