This is a mandatory form that must be filed with any Initiating Application, Response to Initiating Application or Application for Consent Orders seeking parenting orders.
This form is not to be filed if the orders sought relate to property or financial matters only.
Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) ('the Act'), the Court has a mandatory obligation to report certain information to child welfare authorities which includes:
- allegations of child abuse or a risk of child abuse (section 67Z of the Act); and
- allegations of family violence or a risk of family violence that amount to abuse of a child (section 67ZBA of the Act).
This form is the way to ensure families and their child/ren receive appropriate and targeted early intervention and assistance. Allegations of child abuse are recorded in this form and then reported to child welfare authorities.
This form also fulfils the Court’s responsibilities under section 69ZQ(1)(aa) of the Act to ask each party to the proceedings:
- whether they consider that the child/ren concerned have been, or are at risk of being, subjected to, or exposed to, abuse, neglect or family violence; and
- whether they consider that they themselves, or another party to the proceedings, have been, or are at risk of being, subjected to family violence.
When is this form required?
You must file this form:
- with an Initiating Application or Response to Initiating Application if you are seeking parenting orders (including parenting and property orders).
- If you are making an allegation of child abuse or family violence or risk in this form, you must also file an Affidavit – Family law and child support setting out the evidence on which the allegation is based (see rule 2.04 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021).
- with an Application for Consent Orders if you and the other parent have reached agreement about arrangements for your child/ren and want the Court to make parenting orders in those terms.
- You do not need to file an affidavit with this form.
- if you have already filed this form or a Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk of Family Violence but have become aware of new facts or circumstances which you think may be child abuse or family violence.
- if your case has been transferred to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and you have not previously filed the form.
It is important to read the Instructions for completing this form before you start.
Filing with the Court
This form should be eFiled (along with your other documents) using the Commonwealth Courts Portal. See How do I eFile? for a step-by-step guide to eFiling.
Service
This form must be served on all other parties to the proceedings, including the Independent Children's Lawyer if one has been appointed and anyone named at question 7 and 14.
For more information about service see How do I serve family law documents?
