CHILDREN'S COURT (PROTECTION) SERVICES

This service is based full time at the Children's Court in Perth. It is able to help parents who are answering (or "responding") to protection applications by the Department for Child Protection (DCP) about their children. These applications to place children in care or under the supervision of DCP are made in the Children's Court. The service may also be able to help any other person the court thinks has a direct and significant interest in the well being of the child.

How much help is given may depend on how many other people need help on that day.

Normally we are not available to represent you at trial.

Our service is staffed by a full time lawyer, a part time lawyer (2 days), and a full time paralegal.

What can the Duty Lawyer do for me?

As our service is designed for helping people when they first come to court there are some limits on what we can do for you.

We can:

• give legal and procedural advice
• represent you in Court, including applying for adjournments, appearing on behalf of clients on at least the first and second dates in Court on protection applications - this may include interim contact with your children, where the children will live or be placed before a trial of the case
• provide minor assistance services, including negotiations on your behalf with DCP and other parties to the proceedings
• help prepare court documents such as applications for interim contact, placement and minutes of consent
• make referrals to private lawyers and services
• help you with an application for Legal Aid
• assist with accommodation, social security and other issues that may arise once protection proceedings begin.

Where is the Duty Lawyer?

The Duty Lawyer is located at the Children's Court, 160 Pier Street, Perth.

Where can I get more information?

Please see Protection and Care Matters or Child Representatives in the Children's Court or go to the Children's Court website for more details.

How can I contact the Duty Lawyer?

The service is available from 8.30am to 4.30pm each court day.
The telephone number is 9218 0160. Ring this number if you want to make an appointment to get legal advice before court.

Last Reviewed: November 2009