In the matter of Leonard [2009] NSWLC 5

Local Court of New South Wales

CITATION: In the matter of Leonard [2009] NSWLC 5

JURISDICTION: Children's Court

PARTIES: Director-General of the Department of Community Services; Re Leonard

FILE NUMBER: 467/08

PLACE OF HEARING: Parramatta

DATE OF DECISION: 01/12/2009

MAGISTRATE: Senior Children's Magistrate Mitchell

CATCHWORDS:

LEGISLATION CITED: Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998

Re Rhett [2008] CLN 1 CASES CITED: Re Ashley [2008] CLN 5 Re Saunders and Morgan and Anor. v. Department of Community Services [2008] CLN 10

TEXTS CITED:

REPRESENTATION:

ORDERS: Seek a fresh plan or an addendum to the Care Plan. Adjourn proceedings to 30 January, 2009 for the purpose of approving the Care Plan and making final orders.

1. These are care proceedings commenced on 3 June, 2008 on behalf of the Director-General of the Department of Community Services. The proceedings relate to "Leonard Richardson" who was born on [ ] 2004. Leonard is the son of "Ms Newman" and "Mr Richardson." Mr. Richardson was arrested on 20 October, 2006 and is presently serving a term of imprisonment for serious sexual offences against the then 8 year old child of a family friend. He is due for release on 17 July, 2009. That was not Mr. Richardson's first similar offence and, between 14 December, 2004 and 13 June, 2006, he served a period of imprisonment after conviction for aggravated indecent assault of a younger child.

2. Leonard was removed from the care of his mother and placed in short-term emergency care on 30 May, 2008. An order allocating parental responsibility to the Minister, pending further order, was made in this court on 3 June 2008 and, on 11 June, 2008, he was placed with his current carer.