Child Protection and the law

At the end of the training, you will: 

• Understand key sections of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) including the best interests of the child principles. 
• Understand the different types of child protection orders, the process of a child protection matter through the Children’s Court and time limits that apply. 
• Identify common intersections between child protection orders and other areas of law, and how to respond appropriately. 
• Learn to apply client-centred skills to create a safe environment that will support client disclosures, identify relevant legal issues, and the provision of accurate, non-judgmental and informed legal information and advice.  
• Identify referral and external agency support options and understand when to refer your client to a specialist child protection lawyer. 
• Recognise unique barriers to justice faced by different client groups, how it can affect their options and outcomes, and how to respond appropriately. 
• Apply a trauma-informed lens in assisting clients to enhance collaboration and achieve best possible outcomes. 
• Obtain strategies in providing legal advice to clients entering into voluntary arrangements with Department of Families, Fairness and Housing child protection.