Hackford and Alameda

In the matter of *Hackford and Alameda*, Judge Young of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute concerning the care arrangements for a child, X, born in 2018. The proceedings involved applications filed by the father and the mother, as well as the Independent Children's Lawyer, and required the court to consider information provided by Territory Families.

The central legal issues before the court were the immediate care arrangements for the child, the disclosure of the mother's criminal history, particularly concerning illicit drug use, and the extent of Territory Families' involvement and disclosure obligations. The court also had to determine the fate of the father's application and the mother's response thereto.

Judge Young ordered that the child X be returned to the mother's care forthwith, in accordance with existing orders, at the usual changeover venue. The mother was directed to file an affidavit detailing her mother's criminal history, including any related to illicit drug use, and her current living arrangements with her mother. The court also mandated that Territory Families provide specific documents and information relating to abuse allegations concerning the child X, and stipulated that no further subpoenas be served on Territory Families without leave. The father's application and the mother's response were dismissed, and the matter was listed for further directions.