Children and young people
QCAT is here to help you by looking again at a decision that has been made about you, by the department. If you feel the decision is wrong talk to the department about your concerns and ask why they made the decision. You may be able to work things out.
If you still feel the decision is wrong you can apply to QCAT for a review of the decision. Another person may also apply on your behalf for example, another family member. QCAT will consider what is in your best interests when looking at any application made by someone on your behalf.
When looking at a decision again QCAT will make sure that your welfare and interests are of prime importance. The following decisions can be looked at again:
- deciding who will care for you under a child protection order which has granted the chief executive custody or guardianship of you
- not informing your parents of who is caring for you and where you are living
- refusing to allow contact between you and your parents or a member of your family
- restricting or imposing conditions on the contact between you and your parents or a member of your family
- removing you from a carer.
Make sure you keep the original letter from the department telling you about their decision. Generally you need to apply to QCAT for a review of a decision within 28 days of you being notified of the decision.
If you have not received reasons for the decision you have 28 days to apply to QCAT from the day the reasons are given to you or 28 days from when you asked for the reasons, whichever is earliest. There are exceptions to the 28 day rule so check your QCAT information notice for information about the time limit that applies in your case.
When you apply for a review of the decision you can also apply for a stay of the decision. Your application for a stay will be considered by QCAT at a hearing. A stay stops the decision being carried out until a final hearing can be held. A stay will only be agreed to in special circumstances and may not be granted.