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Issue #5: February 2005

CASEWORK

CARE AND PROTECTION
Best interests of the child
The NCYLC is also assisting an Indigenous woman, Tanya*, with her dealings with the Department of Community Services ("DOCS"). DOCS has removed Tanya's two daughters from her care and placed them with foster carers. While the girls were initially with the same carer, they have now been separated, and Tanya has serious concerns about the care the girls have been receiving.

We have been working with a local Aboriginal corporation to ensure the girls' placements are reviewed and monitored by DOCS, to ensure Tanya maintains contact with her girls, and to see if both girls can be reunited with an Indigenous foster carer. We expect to be in the Children's Court in relation to this matter next month.

YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT
Warnings and cautions
The Centre continues to act for 17-year old Jake*, who was fined by police for carrying a pocket-knife in his bag. We successfully contested the fine at the Children's Court and Jake received a caution under the Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW) instead of the fine.

Furthermore, after making a complaint to the NSW Ombudsman about the police's handling of the matter, the Aboriginal Complaints Unit has agreed to organise an Alternative Dispute Resolution session between Jake and the police officers involved.

CENTRELINK
Youth Allowance overpayment
We continue to help Damien, the 20 year old from whom Centrelink is demanding $5300. We have gathered some additional evidence to show that firstly, Damien was attending university for longer than Centrelink claims, and secondly, that Damien was eligible for a temporary exemption from study due to illness in the second half of last year.

On this basis, we have lodged an appeal of Centrelink's decision to seek repayment of Damien's youth allowance to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. Damien and Louise Pounder will appear before the Tribunal in early February.

*Clients' names have been changed to protect their privacy.

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