We will work in partnership with families at all times and welcome your input and access to the service according to the following guidelines:
Working Together
Communication with Parents
Staff at the Centre are supportive of children and their parents. Both parents of the child will be treated equally. Without legal documentation, staff cannot act as though one parent is more fit than another to the legal rights of their child. Parents may visit the centre at any reasonable time whilst their child is in care. However you are requested to give consideration to the time of day so that other children are not disturbed e.g. rest time. Any concerns you have may be discussed with your child’s Keyworker or the Director at any reasonable time. All information about your child will always be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Custodial Issues
Where a child attending the Centre is not living with both parents or where disputes arise in relation to responsibility for the child the following will apply:
- Parental responsibility remains with both parents jointly and individually except where it is altered by an order of the Family Court of Australia. In the absence of such an order the child will be released to either parent who is the authorised person to collect the child.
- Where a non-enrolling parent cites an Order of the Family Court giving him/herself lawful access to the child, the order needs to be produced for inspection by the Director. The enrolling parent will be telephoned both to check the existence of the order and to be informed about the situation.
- The child will only be released into the care of the parent with Parental Responsibility for the child, or other person specifically authorised by that parent, except when Family & Children’s Services or the Police specifically direct otherwise under the provisions of the Child Welfare Act.
In the case of a parent with parental responsibility for the child arriving at the Centre to collect the child in a visibly intoxicated or unfit state to drive, the parent will be encouraged to contact an alternative adult to drive them and their child home, or the Centre will offer to call a taxi on their behalf.