Foreword

The Children’s Court of New South Wales is a specialist jurisdiction for children and young people who are subject to care applications, criminal charges, applications for Apprehended Violence Orders and Compulsory Schooling Orders.

The Children’s Court Resource Handbook provides information about practices, procedures and policies that impact the children, young people, families and carers who appear before the court. It is intended to assist registrars, magistrates, judges and lawyers who appear in the Children’s Court. Hopefully it will be useful for others who have an interest in the Children’s Court jurisdiction.

The Resource Handbook provides articles, checklists, summaries and references to relevant case law and legislation to assist practitioners and decision makers in high quality consistent and effective practice in the Children’s Court jurisdiction.

The Resource Handbook is reviewed and updated at regular intervals and when there is a significant change to law or practice. The Children’s Court and the Judicial Commission of NSW welcome feedback on the scope and content of the Resource Handbook and suggestions for improvement to ensure it remains beneficial for users.

Her Honour Judge Ellen Skinner
President of the Children’s Court,
Children’s Court of New South Wales