Garber and Clacher

This matter came before Judge Young concerning a dispute between Garber and Clacher regarding their children, [X] and [Y]. The proceedings involved significant allegations and required careful consideration of the children's welfare.

The court was required to determine several key issues, including the appointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer, the intervention of the Department for Child Protection, the provision of specific documents by the Department for Child Protection relating to abuse allegations, and the preparation of a family report. The court also needed to address the process for handling subpoenaed documents and material provided by the Department for Child Protection, as well as the potential dissemination of the family report.

Judge Young made a series of orders aimed at ensuring the children's best interests were paramount. These included reinstating previous orders, appointing an Independent Children’s Lawyer, inviting the Department for Child Protection to intervene, and directing the Department for Education and Child Development (Families SA) to provide specific information regarding abuse allegations. The court also ordered the parties and children to attend an assessment for a family report, outlining the specific matters the report should address, including the children's views and relevant legislative considerations. Strict protocols were established for the handling and dissemination of the family report, with provisions for objections and the protection of sensitive information. The father's application in a case filed on 12 September 2017 was dismissed.