Western Australian Numbered Acts

CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ACT 2004 (NO. 34 OF 2004) - SECT 153

153 .         Court to facilitate party’s participation in proceedings

        (1)         In protection proceedings the Court must, as far as is practicable, ensure that each party understands the nature, purpose and legal implications of the proceedings and of any order or decision of the Court.

        (2)         If the Court is satisfied that a party —

            (a)         has difficulty understanding or communicating in English; or

            (b)         has a disability,

                that prevents or restricts the party’s understanding of, or participation in, protection proceedings, the Court must take reasonable steps to ensure that the services of an interpreter or other appropriate person are made available to the party during the proceedings to facilitate the party’s understanding of, or participation in, the proceedings.

        (3)         Nothing in this section is to be taken to affect the operation of the Children’s Court of Western Australia Act 1988 section 34(1).