Dept. of Child Safety Information Continued

Information about Child Protection and the Department of Child Safety.

Be aware of court protocols.
At court – everything is focused on what is in the best interests of the child.
The court has to be satisfied that you have had a reasonable opportunity to obtain legal representation.
A separate representative (i.e. a child’s lawyer) may be appointed for your child.
If your child is mature enough and wants to have a say, the court must be informed.

What types of Court Orders are there?

Temporary Assessment Order (TAO) an emergency order, lasts a maximum of 3 days
Court Assessment Order (CAO) lasts a maximum of four weeks
Child Protection Order (CPO) an order made by the Court but DChS has to prove that harm has, is or is likely to occur, and there is no parent able or willing to protect the child from harm.

Want more detailed information?

Ask us for a copy of “Information Kit on Child Protection for Parents” published by the South West Brisbane Community Legal Centre, and/or visit their website

Extracts from this Information Kit appear throughout this pamphlet.

For Domestic Violence help

DVCONNECT: 1800 811 811
MEN’S INFO LINE: 1800 600 636

You Can Get Help From:

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES
Phone 47215148, free call 1800 074 463 , 34 Stanley Street TOWNSVILLE

INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE
Phone 4721 6007, St James Place TOWNSVILLE

NQ WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE
Phone 4772 5400, free call 1800 244 504, 42 Sturt Street TOWNSVILLE

LEGAL AID QLD
Phone 1300 65 11 88

TOWNSVILLE COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
Phone 4721 5511 St James Place TOWNSVILLE

THE WOMEN’S CENTRE
Phone 4775 7555 50-52 Patrick Street AITKENVALE