Legal matters

Going to Children’s Court, how to prepare for your court appearance, criminal offences relating to kids, victim services, where to find legal help

Browse Legal matters

Children's Court: an introduction

What happens in the Children's Court of NSW, what can be decided in this court, how to prepare for a court appearance, and how to explain court to children.
- Children's Court
  
  The types of cases that can be heard in Children's Court, and what the court can decide in relation to child protection cases, including imposing conditions for parents before a child can return home.
- Attending the Children's Court
  
  What happens when you go to Children's Court, how to request special assistance or a support person to go with you and how to behave in court.
- How to talk to children about going to court
  
  Some tips about the do's and don'ts of explaining what Children's Court is and what happens there.
- Children’s Court and case management
  
  An explanation of information and evidence that out-of-home care agencies are required to provide in Children’s Court.
Children's Court: care and protection matters

Information about the key stages in court proceedings, what orders the court can make, and why a child or young person may be removed from their parent's care.
- Legal representation for a child or young person
  
  The Children’s Court may appoint a legal representative to act for a child or young person in care and protection matters.
- Stages of court proceedings in care and protection cases
  
  Read about the key stages in Children's Court proceedings for care and protection cases, including information about first mention, adjournment, interim orders, final orders, stay of proceedings and more.
- Orders in care and protection matters
  
  An explanation of the different final orders the Children's Court can make to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person. parental responsibility orders
- Removing children and young people from their parents' care
  
  We want children to remain safely in their family's care but this may not always be possible. Here are the reasons why some children may be removed.
- Directory of support services for ATSI families
  
  Directory of support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in care and protection proceedings including court-based services and services provided by non-government organisations.
Children's Court: criminal offences

Information about for criminal proceedings for children and young people - including attending court, orders and sentencing.
- Attending court for criminal proceedings
  
  A child or young person can be charged with criminal offences from the age of 10, and the proceedings are held at Children's Court. Here's an explanation of what happens.
- Orders and sentencing for criminal matters
  
  Orders and sentences the court can make in relation to a child or young person who has committed a criminal offence.
Victims of violent crimes

Support, information, referrals, counselling and compensation services to victims of violent crimes and witnesses to violent crimes.
- Victim Services
  
  If you are a victim of violent crime or a witness to one, Victims Services can provide support, counselling and compensation. Find out more.
- Adult survivors of sexual abuse - getting help and seeking justice
  
  If you were abused as a child and are now a young person or adult, help and support is available, as well as seeking justice and protecting those still at risk.
Legal help and other courts

How to get free legal advice, such as understanding the court system and help finding a lawyer in NSW, and information about other types of court.
- Legal services and support
  
  A list of free legal help, services and support available for children, families and carers in NSW.
- Other types of court
  
  Other orders, courts, tribunals and proceedings that may be involved with children and young people.

Was this content useful?

Your rating will help us improve the website.

Last updated: 24 Sep 2019

Legal matters

Browse Legal matters

Children's Court: an introduction

Children's Court: care and protection matters

Children's Court: criminal offences

Victims of violent crimes

Legal help and other courts