Child legal advocates
Child advocates are employed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to complement the work of community visitors. Child advocates play a vital role in protecting the rights of children and young people in the child protection system, ensuring their voices are heard in legal matters.
A child advocate can:
- apply on behalf of a child or young person to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) or court for changes to a placement, contact decisions, or amendments to a child protection order
- ensure children and young people have access to information and that their views are considered when decisions are made about their care arrangements (e.g. reviewable decisions about placement and contact, court or QCAT hearings)
- provide advice about court events, such as court-ordered conferences, and assist children and young people in participating
- help children and young people seek direct legal representation or advocate for the tribunal or court to appoint a separate representative, if appropriate
- respond to the revocation or variation of an order made under the Child Protection Act 1999
- assist a child or young person in initiating, or initiate on their behalf, an application to QCAT
- support a child or young person during proceedings before a court or QCAT
- help children and young people review other government administrative decisions, such as school suspensions or exclusions.
This support includes the ability to make submissions, call witnesses, and test evidence during legal proceedings.
How to access a child advocate
If a child or young person in care needs assistance with a legal issue, their community visitor will typically arrange for a child advocate to speak with them. However, children and young people can also contact OPG directly to request assistance from a child advocate. Alternatively, they can ask a carer to call OPG on their behalf.
Contact
For more information about child advocates, contact OPG on 1300 653 187 or visit their website.