(1) A participant in proceedings before the Children's Court may, with the leave of the Children's Court, be accompanied by a support person.
(2) The leave of the Children's Court must be granted unless--(a) the support person is a witness in the proceedings, or(b) the Children's Court, having regard to the wishes of the child or young person with respect to whom the proceedings are brought, is of the opinion that leave should not be granted, or(c) there is some other substantial reason to deny the application.
(3) The Children's Court may withdraw its leave at any time if a support person does not comply with any directions given to the support person by the Children's Court.
(4) A support person cannot give instructions on behalf of the participant.
(5) A support person may, with the leave of the Children's Court, act as an interpreter for a participant if the participant does not sufficiently speak or understand English.
(6) Without limiting section 254, that section applies to a support person who acts as an interpreter for a participant.