Parental Access Following Child Protective Service Interventions

Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what avenues exist for fathers who believe they have been unfairly denied access to their children following Child Protective Service interventions to seek review; and (b) how does the Ministry ensures that decisions on parental access are communicated transparently to affected parents.

Answer

1    For child protection cases, the overriding consideration in all decisions made by MSF's Protective Service (PSV) is the safety and well-being of the child. 

2    Protection Officers investigate allegations by considering the accounts of all parties, including the child. If there are safety concerns identified, officers will explain to the parents the issue, whether their access needs to be restricted, and the rationale. If the allegations cannot be substantiated and appear to stem from conflict, PSV will not take action against the party complained against. 

3    Any care arrangements are formalised in a Voluntary Care Arrangement. If the parents do not agree, or if the child is facing serious harm, PSV may exercise statutory powers and apply to the Court for a Care and Protection Order. 

4    Access arrangements to the child are revised as circumstances and safety needs evolve. Parents who believe that they are wrongly accused of child abuse to deny them access to their children should seek recourse through the Family Justice Courts.