FaCS v the Harris Children [2012] NSWChC 9

Children's Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: FaCS v the Harris Children [2012] NSWChC 9 Hearing dates: 18 January, 6 & 7 February 2012 Decision date: 17 February 2012 Jurisdiction: Care and protection Before: Magistrate Graham Blewitt AM Decision: Parental responsibility allocated to the Minister - section 82 report to be submitted to the Court - Department to review need for supervision - limited contact between father and two older children Catchwords: CHILDREN - allocation of parental responsibility to Minister - application by father - wishes of the children - possibility of adverse consequences if father were to relapse - current long-term placement meets all the needs of the children - contact - sections 79, 82, 86 and 90 Care Act. Legislation Cited: Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Director General of the Department of Family and Community Services Ian Harris (the father) Cassandra Jackson (the mother) The children ("E", "F", "G", "H") Representation: Ms Luke for the Director General Ms Sward for the mother Father was unrepresented Mr David for child "E" (on direct instructions) Mr Lawson for the children "F","G", and "H" File Number(s): 29-32/2010 Publication restriction: Any information that names or is likely to lead to the identification of a child or young person who is reasonably likely to involved or mentioned in Children's Court or non-Court proceedings in any capacity must not be published or broadcast in any form that may be accessible by a person in New South Wales whether the publication or broadcast occurs before any proceedings have commenced, during the proceedings or after they are disposed of. This prohibition applies until the child or young person turns 25 years of age or dies.