VIC Ignored by DHS - Where to Get Help Next?

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barmite

Well-Known Member
22 June 2016
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Who do I report to or get help from if DHS doesn't take my reports seriously?
 

Louise4007

Well-Known Member
8 November 2015
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224
SA
Hi Barmite

Who are DHS? Department of Human Services?
 

AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
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Not enough information here to be of help. Is the action you're reporting a criminal matter?
 

barmite

Well-Known Member
22 June 2016
15
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71
Emotional abuse leading to now making the child fake sickness to obtain medical certificates to stop visitations and much more
 

AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
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DHS won't help with this. It's an allegation, at best, and it's not something they would be able to get evidence of in order to warrant intervention for protection purposes.

Are there parenting orders in place?
 

Louise4007

Well-Known Member
8 November 2015
64
14
224
SA
Hi Barmite

Yes, the Commonwealth Department of Human Services (DHS) will only accept complaints in relation to a payment or service a person is receiving from them. Complaints can be made by phoning them, by using their online service or by writing to them. They usually respond within 5 days & will explain why a service or payment was not delivered in accordance with your expectations if that is the nature of your complaint.

They also have a review & appeals mechanism as a 2nd step if you are not satisfied with an initial decision made regarding these issues.

A 3rd step to investigate a decision you're unhappy with if unsatisfied with the 1st two complaints mechanisms rests with the Commonwealth Ombudsman or a lawyer who you can phone & discuss the matter with.

Of course if the issue relates to a family law matter regarding parenting or court orders etc .. DHS will not address these as they have responsibility only for the delivery & handling of complaints relating to Commonwealth payments & services made by their department. You would need to take the matter up with the office of the maker of the order or the legal service or lawyer (or engage a new lawyer or legal representative) handling, (or to handle) the parenting issue.

Cheers
 
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AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
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If the other party is breaching the orders, your next step is to file for a contravention order.

Illness is rarely deemed a reasonable excuse for skipping out on court ordered obligations. The idea is that if a child is sick, both parents are capable of caring for them.