My son has an intellectual disability and he is also a father. We try to help him as much as possible but he is determined to be independent and we respect that. He has been involved in a care and protection matter with the department of Family & Community Services regarding his children and he may have to go to court. Is there any support available for him?
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Answer by LegalEagle™ staff, Northcote 3070 VIC
- Yes. There is specific support available for parents with intellectual disabilities who are involved in care and protection proceedings.
- The law recognises the additional barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The support services are voluntary but can provide invaluable assistance. The support can include:
- providing parents with a support person when they attend appointments and any court hearings;
- helping parents draft documents and consider what they want to say in court;
- giving parents accessible information about the effect of care proceedings such as how to have contact with their child, how to work with community services, what is involved in the court hearing and how to access community assistance;
- reminding parents of appointment dates and times; and
- referring parents to a disability advocate service.