Children’s Court, DCJ & NGOs

Understanding the Children’s Court, Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs)

Navigating the child protection system can be complex and emotionally challenging.
At NLS Law, we support parents, carers and extended family members by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities when the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) becomes involved. Learn how NLS Law can assist you in managing care and protection matters with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Children’s Court, DCJ & NJOs

1. The role of the Children’s Court
The Children’s Court deals with care and protection matters when there are concerns about a child’s safety, welfare or wellbeing.

This includes:
• Determining whether a child is in need of care and protection
• Making orders about parental responsibility and living arrangements
• Reviewing case plans and supervision arrangements

The Court’s focus is always on the best interests of the child. It operates under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.

2. The role of the Department of Justice (DCJ)
DCJ is the government agency responsible for investigating concerns about child safety.

Their role may include:
• Responding to reports of risk of significant harm
• Assessing a family’s capacity to provide safe care
• Seeking court orders for parental responsibility if needed
• Supervising placements or reunification efforts

If DCJ files a care application, you will likely receive formal documents and be required to attend court. NLS Law can assist with these situations and provide informed legal support at every step.

3. Working with NGOs
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) often work alongside DCJ to support children and families. While NGOs are not government agencies, they play a critical role in child protection and can influence court outcomes through their reports and recommendations.

NGOs may:
• Supervise contact visits
• Provide out-of-home care (foster care)
• Deliver parenting programs or family support services
• Participate in case planning and review meetings

How NLS Law can assist

Section 90 (Care Applications):
When your child has been removed from you and a Final Order has been made in the Children’s Court but your circumstances have changed, book in to see NLS Law. If you can show that there has been a significant change in your circumstance, we can guide you and advise you about filing a Section  90 Application to seek a variation or rescission of the Final Care Order. At NLS Law, our team regularly represents parents in these applications.

• We bring in-depth knowledge of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, courtroom practice, and key statutory decision-making.
• With extensive experience across hundreds of Section  90 matters, we can help you engage proactively, refer you to services to assist in the process, negotiate proposals, and prepare your case and represent you in the Children’s Court.
• Our record includes successful outcomes for restoration tailored to your child’s best interests.
• We advocate compassionately but vigorously, ensuring your voice, perspective and family circumstances are heard.

Section 86 (Contact Applications):
If you’re a parent, grandparent or other caring party seeking contact with your child, subject to a Children’s Court Final Order, and you have contact as set out in a Care Plan or even a Contact Order, a Section  86 Application may be necessary. At NLS Law, we provide:

• Clear guidance on eligibility, necessary evidence, and the application process – What you need to do to demonstrate a relevant change in circumstance to bring an application.
• Strategic advocacy – We position contact proposals in the child’s best interests while addressing parental or agency concerns.
• A client-focused approach – Whether you want supervised visits, occasional contact or a structured contact schedule, overnight and school holiday contact, we help you request realistic arrangements that focus on your child’s needs and that promotes your relationship with your child.
• Successful representation that balances firm legal argument with sensitivity to emotional dynamics.

Next Steps & Initial Conference

If you’ve been contacted by DCJ, or you’ve been asked to attend the Children’s Court, it’s important to get confidential legal advice quickly. Our team can help.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take steps toward obtaining advice that gives you clarity and certainty about your matter. An initial consultation allows NLS Law to advise you specifically to your circumstances. During this consultation, we assess your situation, explain your options, and outline the next practical steps toward resolution.

Book an initial conference with NLS Law for $550 (incl. GST).

Children’s Court, DCJ & NGOs

Understanding the Children’s Court, Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs)

Understanding Children’s Court, DCJ & NJOs

How NLS Law can assist

Next Steps & Initial Conference

Newcastle

Sydney