Legal help for care and protection orders

What we help with

We can help you with any actions Child Youth and Families (CYF) may have taken against you, including investigation, appraisal and emergency action.  

We can help by:

  • explaining CYF processes
  • explaining how you can be included in and respond to the CYF process, if CYF have commenced Children’s Court proceedings
  • assisting with Children’s Court appearances in some cases.

We may also be able to refer you to services that assist with these.


Contact us

Visit us at court

You can get help from our lawyers on duty at the ACT Children’s Court. It is free to talk to a duty lawyer, and you do not need an appointment to talk to a duty lawyer.  

Find out when our lawyers are at the ACT Children’s Court.

If you cannot visit the ACT Children’s Court, please call or email us (see details below).

Call or email us

Phone: 1300 654 314

  • Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm
  • Fridays 8.30am to 5pm

Email: care@legalaidact.org.au   

I need ongoing help

If you have a complex legal issue or need ongoing representation, you may be eligible for further assistance. The duty lawyer can advise if you need to apply for a grant of legal aid.