Web resource:	http://www.adfvc.unsw.edu.au/Conference%20papers/Exp-horiz/Nanlohy.pdf
Type:	Conference Paper
Title:	The best interests of the child? : the interaction of public and private law in Australia
Other Titles:	Expanding our horizons : understanding the complexities of violence agains[cut]
Authors:	Nanlohy, Susan
Keywords:	Family law;Child protection
Year:	2002
Publisher:	Women's Legal Resource Centre, [Lidcombe
Notes:	This paper looks at the problematic interaction of public (State child protection jurisdiction) and private law (Commonwealth family law jurisdiction), in the context of relationship breakdown, where allegations of child abuse are raised. Where there has been an allegation made the Family Court does not resolve this, but determines whether any order it considers would expose a child to any unacceptable risk of abuse. The State child protection agency is notified if there is an allegation of abuse. Any order made by the Children’s Court cannot be over ridden by Family Court orders. The paper looks specifically at the Department of Community Services (DoCS), the NSW government agency empowered to protect children. Concerns are raised about the inability of DoCS to effectively respond to notifications, and the experience of many women where DoCS will not act on notifications where families are involved with the Family Court or the alleged abuser is not residing with the child. This ‘systemic problem,’ it is submitted, causes further harm and leaves children exposed to abuse and inadequate protection for women and children.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/21105
ISBN:	9780958153621
Physical description:	14 p.
Appears in Collections:	Conference Papers

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.