BAILEY & THORNTON

This matter concerned parenting orders for a child, Y, born in September 2008. The dispute involved allegations of sexual abuse, though the court found that the evidence did not support a positive finding that abuse had occurred, nor did it support a positive finding that abuse had not occurred. The court was required to determine the best interests of the child regarding her living arrangements and the extent of her contact with both parents.

The court's primary legal issue was to determine the parenting arrangements that were in Y's best interests, considering the unresolved allegations of abuse and the need for a stable and safe environment. The court also had to consider how to facilitate a relationship between Y and her father, given the circumstances, while ensuring her protection and well-being.

Faulks DCJ ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for Y and that Y live primarily with her mother. While discharging prior parenting orders, the court made detailed provisions for Y to spend graduating supervised time with her father over two years, with the involvement of a third party, Ms F, and later Ms Thornton. The court also mandated communication protocols between the parents, including information sharing regarding Y's health and schooling, and established specific rules for communication between Y and each parent. Furthermore, the court ordered that Y receive counselling to develop protective capabilities and have an independent person to speak with, and directed that a Family Consultant explain the court orders to Y. By consent, specific restraints were placed on the father regarding bathing and dressing the child.