New court proceedings

Any decision to initiate new care proceedings (section 61) or re-open (section 90) proceedings in the Children’s Court is made by the Department in consultation with a PSP provider. However, a child, their parents, family/kin or person with an interest in the welfare of the child can apply to re-open proceedings. Parties to proceedings have a right to appeal a final order (section 91). Parties have 28 days from the date of the final order to lodge an appeal.

The Department is always a party to court proceedings and appeals of final orders.

The Department provides a PSP provider with information about new or re-opened court proceedings or appeals. The Department provides the information to the provider as soon as it is available, when possible, prior to the matter being listed in court.