Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts17. Responsibility of Minister when notified of action under section 11(5)
(1) If the Minister is notified under section 11(5) of the removal of a child in need of care or of the detaining of a child in a hospital under section 15, the Minister must -
(a) assume responsibility for the care, protection and maintenance of the child;
(b) cause the child to remain in or be removed to a place of safety that is, in the opinion of the Minister, suitable to ensure that the welfare of the child is provided for;
(ba) subject to subsections (2) and (3) - if a holding order is made under section 11A in respect of the child, before the holding order expires -
(i) advise the Court in writing of his or her decision and that he or she will not be making an application under Part VI for an order that the child be found to be in need of care; or
(ii) make an application under Part VI to the Court for an order that the child be found to be in need of care;
(c) as soon as practicable, cause the parents, guardians or persons who had the custody of the child at the time of the removal or detention to be notified of the removal or detention of the child and of any subsequent action taken or intended to be taken in respect of the child; and
(d) take such other action under this Act, including securing medical examination and treatment, if required, for the child, as the Minister thinks fit.
(2) The Minister must assess and decide whether -
(a) the welfare of the child would be provided for if returned to one or both of his or her parents or a guardian or other person having the custody of the child; or
(b) another arrangement may be made with the consent of the parents, guardian or person as to the placement of and provision of adequate care to the child,
before complying with subsection (1)(ba).
(3) The Minister must not make an application to the Court under subsection (1)(ba)(ii) if the Minister decides to return the child to one or both of his or her parents or the guardian or person having custody of the child or that an arrangement may be made with the consent of the parents, guardian or person that ensures the provision of care to the child.