Do I have to do what my Caseworker says?
I am 19. I went out with someone my parents warned me to stay away from and he indecently assaulted me. Now I am embarrassed and scared about what my family will say.
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
- No you don’t have to do what your Caseworker says. They do not have the power to tell you what to do.
- However if your Caseworker speaks to you about concerns they have regarding the care you are giving your child then it is a good idea to try and work with them to find solutions. This may help to stop your case from ending up in Court. Even when you’re feeling angry or frustrated with your Caseworker try to make your points in a calm and respectful way. Otherwise your Caseworker is more likely to consider your child is at risk and if the matter ends up in Court, the way you have reacted can cause the Court to have concerns too.
- If you feel that what your Caseworker is asking you to do is unreasonable you can speak to their Supervisor. You can also get legal advice from a lawyer who may be able to negotiate with the Department on your behalf.
- If you do not listen to your Caseworker or are disrespectful or abusive then it is likely that this will be included in a report to the Court and may result in a Magistrate taking a less favourable view of your case.