Children have a right to be consulted about contact issues. But what if doing so involves confronting the child with difficult and distressing information?
A senior duty and assessment practitioner tells of the devastating effect of just such a case.
- The term Schedule 1 offender often evokes a negative response from workers. However, it is important to establish the nature and context of the offence. It may be that an 18-year-old received Schedule 1 status after assaulting a 17-year-old during a fight. Others may receive it following convictions for sexual abuse, physical abuse or cruelty towards children.
One case that was referred to my office was of a man who had a long history of convictions for sexual abuse spanning 20 years and involving numerous children between five and 11. He had recently been released from prison and had made an application through the courts for contact with his six-year-old daughter.
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