CARE & PROTECTION MATTERS
When the state challenges your ability to care for your child, the impact can be immediate and overwhelming. Care and Protection matters can affect where your child lives, how your family functions and what your future looks like. We stand firm to protect your rights as a parent and work tirelessly toward the safest and most stable outcome for your family.
Having strong advocacy from the moment the Department becomes involved can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Care & Protection involvement usually begins when a government agency receives a report about a child’s safety. This can lead to interviews, home visits, assessments and, in some cases, urgent action.
The Department may then apply to the Children’s Court for temporary or long-term orders, sometimes without you being present at the first appearance.
Once a matter enters the court system, it moves through several steps: early directions hearings, case plans, meetings with caseworkers, evidence gathering and, if needed, a defended hearing.
During this process, the court considers a range of information – including Department reports, risk assessments, family history & your capacity to safely care for your child.
How Care & Protection Matters Work
Strong legal advice early on can make a significant difference. Some matters can be resolved through negotiation, updates to case plans or by addressing specific concerns raised by the Department.
If the case progresses to a final hearing, the Magistrate will hear evidence from both sides before deciding whether ongoing orders are needed and what those orders should look like.
With Ciantar & Associates supporting you, you are never left facing this system alone. We explain each step in plain language, prepare your case thoroughly and advocate strongly for your rights and your child’s best interests. Our goal is to make a stressful, confusing process clearer and more manageable, while working toward the best possible outcome.
OUR APPROACH
Care & Protection matters are highly sensitive and require a calm, strategic approach.
We gather evidence to strengthen your case and demonstrate your ability to safely care for your child.
Where possible, we negotiate to reduce conflict and work toward a realistic, child-focused plan.
Our communication style is always simple, honest & supportive, so you always know what is happening and what you need to do next.
THE TYPES OF CARE & PROTECTION MATTERS WE HANDLE
Department Investigations + Risk AssessmentsWe support parents from the earliest stage of involvement, including interviews, home visits and safety assessments.
Applications for Care + Protection OrdersWe represent parents in cases involving interim or long-term orders, working to keep children at home or support reunification wherever possible.
Placement + Contact ArrangementsIf a child has been removed, we advocate for appropriate placement options, family time, cultural connection and a clear path for returning home.
Case Plans, Case Meetings + NegotiationsWe guide parents through meetings with the Department, help address risk concerns and work toward agreements that support family stability.
Variations, Extensions + AppealsWe challenge unfair or outdated orders, seek changes when circumstances improve and appeal decisions where appropriate.
Overlap with Family LawMany Care and Protection matters run alongside parenting disputes or family violence issues. Our cross-jurisdictional experience means we manage all related matters together to protect your position across both systems.
Ciantar & Associates represents parents in Care & Protection matters across North East Victoria & Southern NSW, appearing regularly in the Magistrates’ Courts at Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Corryong, Myrtleford, Albury & Corowa.
Providing clear guidance & strong advocacy for families facing Department involvement.
If you need support with a Care and Protection matter in the Albury Wodonga region or surrounding Victorian towns, our team is ready to help.