Protection and Care Proceedings - Changes to Dandjoo Bidi-Ak Court
Information Note
This Information Note relates to changes being made to the Dandjoo Bidi-Ak Court, as part of the implementation of the recommendations arising from the evaluation carried out at the conclusion of the initial pilot of the court.
The Dandjoo Bidi-Ak Court has the capacity for new referrals for additional families who are committed to a therapeutic process and are ready to address protection concerns.
The Court has determined that Departmental consent to parties being accepted to the Dandjoo Bidi-Ak Court will no longer be a requirement. The views of the Department of Communities will however continue to be considered as part of the assessment by the Court as to the suitability of parties for Dandjoo Bidi-Ak.
Effective immediately, the referral protocol will be as follows:
- Any party wishing to participate in Dandjoo Bidi-Ak can initiate a referral. A new referral form is available on the Children's Court of WA website.
- Upon a referral being received, the Court will seek the views of the other parties to the proceedings as to suitability for Dandjoo Bidi-Ak.
- The Court's Dandjoo Bidi-Ak team will determine whether a matter is accepted for the Dandjoo Bidi-Ak court.
- The Court will notify the parties regarding the determination of the referral and will allocate hearings accordingly.
This process may be subject to further consultation and possible amendment as the guidelines are reviewed and implementation of the evaluation recommendations progresses.
Judge Hylton Quail
President of the Children's Court of Western Australia
22 July 2025
Last updated: 23 July 2025