Get a child protection decision reviewed

How we make decisions

When Children, Youth and Families make decisions about a child’s care and protection, we must follow the law. This means:

• making decisions as soon as possible
• asking families their views and wishes and helping them to take part in the decision-making process
• helping families understand the decision.

For decisions that affect you, we will send you a notice called an internal review notice. It will explain the decision and say if it can be reviewed.

Know your rights

Learn about the shared expectations of a child’s care team in the Charter for Parents and Families.

Children and young people can learn what to expect from the people who look after them in the Charter of Rights for Kids in Care.

Read our fact sheet about the decision review process.

Internally reviewable decisions

We can review some long-term and significant decisions internally. These types of decisions are called internally reviewable decisions and may include:

• who can visit or contact a child, how often and for how long
• where a child lives and who they will live with
• a child’s culture, education, health or religionthe
• supports and services for parents during restoration
• directions related to drug-testing
• refusing financial or other support.

The full list is in Schedule 1, Part 1.2 and 1.3 of the Children and Young People Regulation 2009.

Only internally reviewable decisions made since 1 July 2025 are eligible.

If a decision cannot be reviewed, we will explain why and let you know your options.

In most cases, you will need to apply for an internal review first. In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to apply directly to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

Visit ACAT to read about Review of decisions under Chapter 16A of the Children and Young People Act 2008.

Internal review process

You apply for an internal review

You can apply if:

• you are an affected person and received an internal review notice, or
• you can show that the decision directly affects you.

Apply for an internal review

Steps to apply:

1. Download and complete the Application for an internal review of decision.
2. Email the form to CSDCYFDecisionReview@act.gov.au

You must apply in 28 days of getting the internal review notice. In some cases, we can extend the time.

While an internal review is happening, the original decision stays in place.

We review your application and make a decision

We will contact you to confirm we have all the information we need to begin the review. We will tell you who will review the decision and when the review will start.

The reviewer will look at the facts, the law and policy that guided the original decision. They may confirm, vary or make a new decision. The outcome is called the reviewable decision.

The review will take 40 days.

After the review

You will get the outcome in writing. If you are unhappy with the reviewable decision, you may apply to ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for an external review.

Visit ACAT for information about external decision reviews.

View the ACAT Application for Review of a Decision form.

Get help

These organisations can help you apply for a review. They offer free, confidential, and culturally safe support.

• Aboriginal Legal Service - 1800 733 233
• Australian Red Cross Birth Family Advocacy Support Service - 6234 7600
• Carers ACT Kinship or Foster Carer Advocacy Service - 6296 9965
• Legal Aid ACT - 1300 654 314 or 6243 3411
• Women’s Legal Centre - 1800 634 669 or 6257 4377

You can also contact our Decision Review Team for advice or help with your application.

If you need an interpreter

The ACT Government will pay for this. Ask the Decision Review Team to arrange an interpreter.

If you need an interpreter to contact us, use the Translating and Interpreter Service.

If you need help to speak or listen