Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts(1) The director-general may arrange for a family group conference about a child or young person if satisfied that the family group conference may help to promote the wellbeing and best interests of the child or young person.
Examples
1 if a family group conference agreement is already in force for the child or young person and the director-general considers that the agreement should be reviewed
2 if the child or young person is in out-of-home care and the director-general considers that a family group conference may promote the child's or young person's contact with his or her family members or significant people
3 if the child or young person is about to be released from a detention place and the director-general considers that a family group conference may help the child's or young person's transition back into the community
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) The director-general may also arrange for a family group conference about a child or young person if the director-general believes on reasonable grounds that—
(a) the child or young person is in need of care and protection; and
(b) arrangements should be made to secure the child's or young person's care and protection.
Examples
1 The director-general has appraised 3 child protection reports in relation to neglect of 2 year old Billy. Billy's parents have longstanding drug and alcohol use issues. The director-general believes that Billy is in need of care and protection and arranges a family group conference involving Billy's family members to formulate a plan for Billy's care and protection.
2 Jane is 14 years old and frequently absconds from her parent's home for extended periods because of conflict with her parents. The director-general believes Jane is in need of care and protection and arranges a family group conference to ensure Jane's care and protection.
3 The director-general appraises a child protection report of sexual abuse in relation to 8 year old Sally. The director-general substantiates the abuse by Sally's stepfather and decides that Sally is in need of care and protection. The director-general decides to arrange a family group conference for Sally's care and protection as an alternative to seeking a care and protection order for Sally.