Court Children’s Service (CCS) is staffed by psychologists and social workers who have specialist expertise in the needs of children in families that are separated. The role of the service is to assist parents, registrars and judges make decisions about arrangements that are in the best interests of the children.
CCS can assist families and the Court by:
- helping parents understand the needs of their children after separation
- identifying risk factors that impact children
- identifying family strengths and protective factors
- providing assessments and advice to the Court as an expert witness
- providing information about resources and support services, and
- assisting in the resolution of disputes.
The different types of services provided by CCS include:
- undertaking preliminary assessments early in proceedings
- undertaking comprehensive assessments for final hearings
- assisting registrars in the delivery of dispute resolution conferences, and
- undertaking confidential assessment interviews as part of the Court’s Lighthouse Project.
The work of CCS is undertaken by employees of the Court, referred to as Court Child Experts, and by private practitioners who have been engaged by CCS for the purpose of undertaking comprehensive assessments for final hearings. These private practitioners are referred to as Panel Family Consultants.
Will CCS be involved in my case?
CCS will only be involved in your case if a Registrar or Judge has made an order that this is to occur. For example, you may be ordered to attend for a:
- Child Impact Report
- Dispute Resolution Conference
- Child Impact Addendum Report
- Specific Issues Report, or
- Family Report.
Kids’ Corner
How can Kids’ Corner help kids?
Children are at the centre of family law decisions and a dedicated place for kids has been developed by the Courts to assist them.
Kids’ Corner speaks directly to children about what happens in the Courts and provides information about the people available to support their wellbeing and safety.
In addition to answers to common questions kids may have, Kids’ Corner includes:
- kids’ stories told by kids
- explanation of the court officer roles, such as judges, registrars and family experts
- definitions of words that kids might hear and wonder what they mean
- stories that help them explore feelings they may have
- easy to find links to seek help.
Underpinning Kids’ Corner is the Courts’ commitment to children who are involved in family law cases. Read the Children's Charter (for adults) and Kids' Charter (for kids) for more information.
For more information about CCS and the types of court events you may attend, see the publications:
- Court Child Experts FAQs
- Family Consultant FAQs
- Child Impact Report FAQs
- Family Reports FAQs
- Panel Family Consultants fact sheet
- Expert witnesses in family law
- Court-based Family Dispute Resolution
- Reports prepared by Court Children’s Service
- Support people in Court Children’s Service adult assessments
- Children's Charter (for adults)
- Kids' Charter (for kids)
