Court Ordered Child Protection Conferences

The Child Protection Conferencing Unit (CPCU) facilitates Queensland-wide court ordered child protection conferences.

A court ordered Child Protection Conference is held when parents oppose or contest an application made by the Office of Director of Child Protection Litigation (ODCPL) that seeks a child protection order from the court.

The court orders then that a conference between the parties be held to discuss and decide the matters in dispute or try to resolve the matters. If the application is contested by the parents, an order cannot be made without a conference being held or reasonable attempts have been made to do so. See sections 59(1)(c) and 68(1)(e) Child Protection Act 1999.

Child protection conferences provide an alternative dispute resolution process to allow the opportunity for the matter to be settled before proceeding to a hearing of the matter. The conferences are being chaired by chairpersons/conveners who are experienced nationally accredited mediators who are impartial and free of bias.

Please see the guidelines and brochure for more in-depth information.