Bracken and Woodhouse

In the matter of *Bracken and Woodhouse*, Justice Austin of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for two children, J and A. The proceedings involved allegations of sexual abuse within the father's home, necessitating a comprehensive review of the children's welfare and circumstances.

The court was required to determine the immediate parenting arrangements for the children, including their living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and communication protocols. Additionally, the court needed to address the serious allegations of sexual abuse and consider the appropriate investigative and reporting mechanisms to inform future decisions. The court also had to consider the intervention of the Director-General of the NSW Department of Human Services and the appointment of a single expert witness.

Justice Austin ordered the suspension of existing parenting orders and established new arrangements, granting equal shared parental responsibility with the children to live with the mother. The father was restrained from allowing the children to be in the presence of two specific individuals. The court also mandated specific communication times between the children and each parent, and required notification of medical emergencies. Crucially, the Director-General of the NSW Department of Human Services was requested to prepare a report concerning the allegations and the general circumstances of the children, and was invited to intervene in the proceedings. A single expert witness was appointed to report on issues under s 60CC of the *Family Law Act*, particularly concerning the allegations of sexual abuse. The hearing was adjourned for further consideration.