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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS (CARE AND PROTECTION) ACT 1998 - SECT 22
Secretary's response to requests for assistance
22 Secretary's response to requests for assistance
(1) If a person or non-government agency seeks assistance from the Secretary
under this Part (whether or not a child or young person is suspected of being
in need of care and protection), the Secretary must-- (a) provide whatever
advice or material assistance, or make such referral, as the Secretary
considers necessary, or
(b) take whatever other action the Secretary
considers necessary,
to safeguard or promote the safety, welfare and
well-being of the child or young person.
(2) Subsection (1) does not,
however, require the Secretary to take any action other than assessing the
request for assistance.
Note : The Secretary, in responding to a request for
assistance, can provide services or arrange for other government departments
and agencies, or community organisations, to provide services to assist
children, young persons and their families.
If the Secretary determines that a child or young person is
at risk of significant harm, the Secretary must offer
alternative dispute resolution processes to the family of the child or
young person (subject to certain exceptions) before seeking care orders.
The Secretary may request government departments or agencies, or
non-government agencies in receipt of government funding, to provide
prioritised access to services to children or young persons who are
at risk of significant harm and to their families.
The Department may also play a role in referring people to services provided
under Commonwealth legislation, such as Family Court counselling and access to
maintenance entitlements or other benefits.
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