NT Children's Court — Care and Protection Application (Care and Protection of Children Act 2007)

Issuing authority

Department of Children and Families NT (formerly Territory Families) / NT Local Court (Family Matters Division)

Official source

How to apply

1. The NT Department of Children and Families assesses a child as being in need of protection under s.20 of the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 — covering harm, exploitation, abandonment, or parental inability to care.
2. The Department lodges an application with the NT Local Court (Family Matters Division) for a care and protection order.
3. The application is served on the child's parents, who may consent to or oppose the orders sought.
4. A lawyer may be appointed as a separate representative for the child to advocate for the child's best interests in proceedings.
5. Kinship carers and grandparents may request involvement in proceedings and can be assessed as suitable alternative placements for the child.
6. Parties may negotiate agreed orders or the matter proceeds to a contested hearing with evidence and submissions.
7. The Local Court Magistrate or Judge makes short-term or permanent protection orders (up to age 18) granting the Department parental responsibility, daily care and control, or both.
8. Orders are subject to review, and parties may apply to vary orders as circumstances change.

Related topics

Related forms

• SA Youth Court — Care and Protection Application (Children and Young People Safety Act 2017)
• TAS Children's Court — Care and Protection Application (Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997)
• Divorce Application
• Parenting Orders ApplicationInitiating Application
• Application for Consent OrdersApplication for Consent Orders