HAMBLETON & ADEMA (No.3)

In *Hambleton & Adema (No.3)*, Judge Brown of the Family Court of Australia considered an interim application for parenting arrangements concerning a three-year-old child. The dispute arose amidst allegations that the mother posed a risk to the child, stemming from her current engagement with criminal charges, a history of illicit substance use, and concerns regarding her psychiatric health.

The central legal issue before the court was the assessment of the child's best interests in the context of these allegations, specifically whether supervised time between the mother and child should be ordered. The court was required to determine what matters were relevant to the child's best interests at this interim stage and the appropriate form of supervised contact.

Judge Brown applied the paramount consideration of the child's best interests, weighing the mother's circumstances against the need for the child's safety and well-being. The court reasoned that supervised contact was necessary given the identified risks. Consequently, the orders stipulated that both parties enrol at a specific Children's Contact Centre for assessment. The mother was permitted supervised time with the child, limited to one two-hour session per fortnight, at her expense, and subject to the Centre Director's accommodation and supervision. Following six visits, a report on the child's reactions was to be obtained. Further consideration of the matter was adjourned for directions.