The Commission's Protection Applications in the Children's Court: Final Report has been tabled in Parliament.
The report contains five options for reform. The options draw upon innovative aspects of the Victorian legal system—like the growing emphasis upon appropriate dispute resolution (ADR)—and important developments in child protection procedures elsewhere, such as family group conferences in New Zealand. Some of the five reform options involve procedural changes within the existing legal framework, while others propose structural change.
In late November 2009, the Attorney-General asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission to provide the government with a range of reform options for the processes followed in child protection cases in the Children's Court of Victoria.
In February 2010, the Commission published an information paper containing draft options for reform and asking questions. The Commission received 51 submissions and engaged in 28 consultations before submitting its final report to the Attorney-General on 30 June.
Follow the links below to the final report, terms of reference, information paper, received submissions and community group devolved consultation reports.