Department of Child Safety Information

Worried woman with cancer cradles her child

Information about Child Protection and the Department of Child Safety.

This contains general information only, not legal advice. DVNQ workers do not give legal advice but can help you talk about the issues.

The Department of Child Safety (DChS) has just contacted me to investigate a complaint. What should I do?

Find out the names of the people involved (the Child Safety Officer, their Team Leader, Manager), which Area Office they come from and the contact number.
If your children have been removed, ask for any paperwork (there should be a court order or voluntary agreement).
If DChS wants you to sign something there and then, YOU DON’T HAVE TO. SEEK LEGAL ADVICE, ASK FOR TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT.
Keep all the paperwork DChS gives you.
ALWAYS go to court (even if you are told you don’t have to be there)

Other important things to remember:

EVERYTHING you tell the Department of Child Safety will form part of their assessment. Any evidence could be used in criminal proceedings against you.

You DO NOT HAVE to answer any of their questions, or you could just answer the ones you feel comfortable with BUT REMEMBER Take your time – ask for a break
If you don’t understand, ask for clarification
It’s OK to have a support person with you such as a friend, family member, or a lawyer

The Department has told me to attend a family meeting. What should I do?

Ask for details, what is the meeting about? Is it a case planning meeting, a general family meeting or a court ordered conference? Take time to prepare for the meeting.

I have received a notice to go to Court. What should I do?