Dunbar and Bath

This matter came before Young J concerning the welfare of the children H and C. The dispute involved applications relating to the children's living arrangements and the mother's compliance with previous court orders.

The court was required to determine several issues, including the primary residence of the children, the mother's attendance and disclosure of results from urine screens, her attendance at further assessments, and the reasons for her absence from the current court hearing. Additionally, the court considered the mother's recent conviction and the circumstances surrounding it, as well as the parties' engagement with the W Contact Service and arrangements for supervised contact.

Young J ordered that the children H and C live with the father. The mother was directed to provide an affidavit detailing her attendance and results of urine screens, reasons for non-attendance, and information regarding further assessments. She was also required to explain her absence from the current hearing and provide particulars of her recent conviction. The court also made orders regarding supervised contact arrangements, requiring the mother to engage with the W Contact Service and, pending her acceptance into the program, allowing one hour of supervised contact per Sunday. Liberty was reserved to all parties to mention the matter in case of issues with the punctual return of the children or other serious concerns. The court further ordered the mother to provide an affidavit from her current partner concerning his domestic circumstances and availability to assist with the care of the children. The Senior Registrar's order of 24 February 2009 was suspended. The court requested an updated Family Report from the Family Consultant, and the mother was permitted to telephone the children on the father's landline. The extempore reasons for judgment were to be transcribed and made available. Both parents were required to physically attend the adjourned hearing unless formally excused.