What if a parent requests a statement of position letter from Child Safety Services?
At times, the CSSC might be asked by a parent to provide a Statement of position letter, in respect of a prospective family law court application. The provision of this letter may assist the parent in their application for legal aid funding, however, the letter may also be provided at any time during family law court proceedings. Decision-making about whether to support an application being made in a family law court by a protective parent should not be premature, but rather based on a sound decision-making framework supported by relevant evidence, based on Child Safety Services’ assessment of both parents. Child Safety Services will be required to provide a comprehensive level of evidence to a family law court, including the rationale for its decision-making. The assessment by Child Safety Services will include considerations about residence and contact, as the family law court will need to consider both in making any parenting orders. The decision to provide documentation to a parent
