Woodrow and Baker

This matter concerned applications relating to the children [D] and [N], with the primary dispute revolving around parental responsibility and living arrangements. The proceedings were before Watts J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders concerning the children's parental responsibility, where they would live, and the nature and extent of the father's time with them. Further issues included the supervision of the parties by the Department of Community Services, the father's engagement with mental health services, and the exchange of information regarding the children's education and health.

Watts J made orders reflecting a "Minute of Order" which granted the mother sole parental responsibility for the children and ordered that they live with her. The father was to spend supervised time with the children weekly through a nominated service and for a period with a person nominated by the Director-General of the Department of Community Services. The orders also imposed obligations on both parents regarding communication, the children's schooling and health, and restrained them from making derogatory remarks about each other in the children's presence. The father was also ordered to seek psychiatric assistance for his mental health issues and childhood abuse.