BAINES & CRABAL

In the Family Court of Australia, Judge Scarlett considered parenting orders concerning two children, aged seven and four. The dispute involved allegations of drug abuse, family violence, and verbal abuse by both the applicant father and the respondent mother, each claiming to have been the primary caregiver. The court also noted the high level of conflict between the parents and the lack of utility of "cheer squad affidavits" in evidence.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting arrangements for the children, specifically addressing parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to consider measures to mitigate the impact of the parental conflict and allegations on the children, including the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer and the imposition of injunctions.

Applying principles of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the court made interim orders suspending all earlier parenting orders. It ordered equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the respondent mother and spend specified time with the applicant father. Injunctions were imposed restraining both parents from consuming illicit drugs when the children were in their care or for twelve hours prior, and from criticising or denigrating the other parent in the children's presence. The mother was also restrained from leaving the children with specific individuals. The court directed the parents to attend a Child Dispute Conference, appointed an Independent Children's Lawyer to represent the children's interests, and ordered both parents to undergo monthly urine drug screening.