Specialised courts and tribunals

Question 1

role of childrens court

Answer 1

In QLD, matters involving children are dealt with in either a special court at Magistrates Court or District Court level, depending on the type of matter

Question 2

Children’s Court proceedings

Answer 2

only people directly involved in the case may be present and no information identifying a juvenile defendant can be published.

youth justice proceedings involving juveniles who commit, or are alleged to have committed, offences

child protection proceedings relating to applications by the Department of Child Safety or the Director of Child Protection Litigation regarding protecting children from harm

adoption proceedings to provide for a child’s long-term care, wellbeing and development by creating a permanent parent–child relationship between the child and their adoptive parents.

Question 3

role of QCAT

Answer 3

offers dispute resolution without the need
to go to court, coming to a fair and legally binding decision
Depending on the nature of the dispute, the parties to a dispute can first try to reach agreement through mediation or compulsory conferencing through QCAT. If a decsion cannot be made, the disputing parties will go to a hearing for the tribunal to decide on a solution.