New South Wales Consolidated Acts

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS (CARE AND PROTECTION) ACT 1998 - SECT 37

37 Alternative dispute resolution

(1) In responding to a report, the Director-General is to consider the appropriateness of using alternative dispute resolution services that are designed:

(a) to ensure intervention so as to resolve problems at an early stage, and

(b) to reduce the likelihood that a care application will need to be made under Chapter 5, and

(c) to reduce the incidence of breakdown in adolescent-parent relationships, and

(d) if an application for a care order under Chapter 5 is made, to work towards the making of consent orders that are in the best interests of the child or young person concerned.

(2) Attendance at a preliminary court conference is mandatory.

(3) Participation in all other forms of counselling and conferencing is voluntary.

Note: Within this provision, models for counselling and conferencing may be developed to accommodate the unique requirements of a community (whether cultural, geographic or language), the complexities of the case, or the nature and severity of the abuse suffered by the child or young person.