The law on child protection gives parents the right to be involved in, and have a say about, what happens to their child when in care.
While your child’s safety and welfare must come first, you still have the right to:
- be told where your child is unless Community Services believes that this information would harm the safety, welfare and wellbeing of your child or their carer
- be given information about your child’s carer unless Community Services believes this would harm the safety, welfare and wellbeing of your child or the safety of the carer and their family
- be informed of your child’s progress and development during their placement
- ask Community Services for services which could help your child to return to your care.
- apply to the Children’s Court to appeal the order placing your child or children in care
Almost all major decisions about your child in care will be discussed at a case planning meeting, which you are invited to attend.