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Issue 4: November 2004

CASEWORK

CARE AND PROTECTION
Accommodation
We are helping 16 year old, Nitin*, who has been living at "Changing Lives" - a semi-independent accommodation facility funded by the Department of Community Services ("DOCS"). DOCS wants to move Nitin from his present home and transfer him to another facility that a great distance from his friends, family and workplace. They also want him to make a contribution to his living expenses. Nitin is upset that he has to move and even more upset that DOCS have not given him many options to consider. He also believes that whilst under the care and protection of DOCS, DOCS should pay for his accommodation and living expenses. We have written a number of letters to DOCS asking them why Nitin needs to move "Changing Lives". Our next step will depend on the information we receive from DOCS.

Best interests of the child
We continue to assist Mena* and Symenka* who want to continue living with their foster parents and not their mother. The girls fear for their safety if they return home, having suffered abuse at the hands of their mother and their step-brother in the past. We have argued that returning the girls to their mother is not in their "best interests". Given that Mena and Symenka live in the Northern Territory*, we have been advising the girls' grandfather about their options.

YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT
Warnings and cautions
The Centre acts for 17-year old Jake who was fined by police for carrying a pocket-knife in his bag. We are contesting the fine at the Children's Court, arguing that Jake should have received a caution or a warning under the Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW), rather than being fined.

CENTRELINK
Youth Allowance overpayment
We are assisting Damien, a 20 year old from whom Centrelink is demanding $5300. We are planning to appeal Centrelink's decision to seek repayment of Damien's youth allowance to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.

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