Practice Standards

CAFC is committed to the highest standard of practice and to working in a solution focused way to achieve best outcomes for children. The CAFC teams subscribes to a code of conduct which encompasses the following key principals:

• The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration at all times
• The Guardian is committed to non-discriminatory practice, which respects the ethical, cultural and religious needs of every child.
• The Guardian ad Litem will inform the child of the nature and purpose of the role of Guardian ad Litem.
• In considering the child’s best interests, the Guardian ad Litem will always ascertain the child’s wishes and will assess all aspects of the child’s development including health, educational, emotional and behavioural development and identity.
• The Guardian ad Litem will always provide feedback to the child following attendance at court and any key meetings.
• The Guardian ad Litem will work in an inclusive manner that ensures the voices of all parties and others of significance are taken into account in the interest of achieving the best outcome for the child.
• The Guardian ad Litem will review the care plan for the child and advise the Court of any shortcomings in this regard.
• The Guardian ad Litem will attend Court for all scheduled hearings unless excused by the Court.
• The Guardian ad Litem will at all times be cognisant of the duty of confidentiality, the limits of confidentiality in certain circumstances and the right to privacy.
• The independence of the role of Guardian ad Litem is fundamental. The Guardian ad Litem will avoid taking cases where there is a conflict or perceived conflict of interests. The Guardian ad Litem will notify the Court of any possible conflict that may arise in the course of the proceedings.
• The Guardian ad Litem will provide a written report to the Court which includes a systematic analysis of all material gathered, addresses significant differences in views and provides an independent case analysis with clear recommendations to help the Court make appropriate decisions for the child.
• The Guardian ad Litem will alert the Court to issues of avoidable delay in decision making for the child and will bring to the attention of the Court any urgent matter affecting or likely to affect the rights and wellbeing of the child.
• CAFC are committed to supervision and on-going professional development. The Guardian ad Litem will refer to relevant professional knowledge and research findings in support of recommendations to the Court.