ppss.org.au

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Access Issues

Problems may occur around

• Frequency of access
• Disruption to child’s routine or school
• Timing (inconvenient time for child’s extra curricular activities or carer’s commitments or carer’s children commitments)

Who decides the timing of access

Times/days of the week are not listed on court orders, just the number of accesses per week or fortnight / month and the length of time – eg. “once weekly 2 hour supervised access”. Often it is DHS who decides the timing, especially if they are responsible for transport and supervision. Carers should be consulted about the convenience of the access arrangements, but they also should also try to be flexible when workers are sick or an emergency occurs.

Who transports to and from access

If the carer is uncomfortable about transporting a child to their parent, they may ask the agency to help find another solution.

Who supervises the access visit

Is the carer comfortable with this role?

What venue is used for the visit

DHS, CSO, neutral location like McDonald’s or even carer’s home.

The carer must be totally comfortable about having the birth family in their home before they agree to that arrangement, and must not be bullied or emotionally blackmailed into agreeing.

Changes made at short notice

These are sometimes unavoidable, but if they are happening frequently or carers are not given as much notice as workers, carers need to enquire why this is happening.

Proof of access

Carers are entitled to copies of the court order, and should familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of the order prior to agreeing to any access visits.