Child Protection Matters
When child protection authorities become involved in your family, it can feel frightening, overwhelming and deeply personal. These cases have the power to affect what your future looks like. At Ciantar Greiner, we understand how high the stakes are – and we stand firmly beside you from the very first step.
How Child Protection Matters Work
Child protection involvement usually begins when the state child protection authority (the Department) receives a notification about a child’s safety or wellbeing. This can lead to interviews, home visits or emergency action. In some cases, the Department may apply to the Children’s Court for temporary or long-term orders that remove your child from your care. These early moments matter, and getting legal advice straight away can help you avoid mistakes and protect your position.
Once a case reaches court, it moves through several stages: initial applications for interim orders, mentions, meetings with the Department, assessments, evidence gathering and, if the matter cannot be resolved, a contested hearing. Each stage involves decisions that can influence whether your child stays in your care, returns home, or is placed with relatives or in out of home care.
Strong representation during this process is essential. Early negotiations may resolve concerns without the need for ongoing orders. Thorough preparation can challenge incorrect allegations or outdated assessments. If the matter proceeds to a final hearing, the Magistrate will consider all evidence – including reports, witness statements and your parenting capacity – before making a decision about your child’s future.
With Ciantar Greiner by your side, you are never left guessing what comes next. We explain each step clearly, prepare your case carefully and advocate firmly to protect your rights as a parent. Our goal is to make a stressful process more manageable and to work toward the safest and most stable outcome for your family.
Getting legal advice straight away can help you avoid mistakes and protect your position.
Our Approach
Child protection matters are emotional, urgent and life-changing. We approach every case with compassion, taking the time to understand your family’s situation, help you respond to the Department’s concerns and gather the evidence needed to support your case. Throughout the process, we keep communication simple and honest, so you always know what is happening and what you need to do next.
Types of Child Protection Matters We Handle
Investigations and Department Involvement
We assist parents from the earliest signs of Department involvement, including safety assessments, interviews, home visits and concerns raised by schools, hospitals or police.
Applications for Child Protection Orders
We represent parents in cases involving interim or final protection orders, working to keep children safely at home or to secure reunification wherever possible.
Placement and Contact Arrangements
If a child has been removed, we advocate for appropriate placement options, family contact, cultural connection and clear plans for returning home.
Reviews, Appeals and Variations
We challenge unfair decisions, seek changes to existing orders and pursue appeals where the court or Department has made an incorrect or unreasonable decision.
Family Law Overlaps
Child protection matters often run alongside family law disputes. Our cross-jurisdictional experience means we can manage both systems at once, ensuring your cases work together – not against each other.