SACAT is a Tribunal that can review some decisions made by the Department for Child Protection (DCP).

SACAT is not connected to DCP and will not take sides.

What does SACAT do?

SACAT can review decisions that DCP have made about your

  • placement arrangements
  • education
  • medical treatment.

SACAT can also review other decisions made by DCP.

Coming to SACAT is free - it won't cost you anything.

What happens at SACAT

SACAT can decide if the decision made by the DCP is:

  • correct or
  • should be changed.

You will be given a copy of the written decision at the end.

SACAT will hold a number of hearings to hear from you and others so we can make the correct decision.

We want to make it easy for you to be involved. You can participate in a way that suits you. Options can include:

  • at our office with a support person or a legal representative
  • via phone call
  • via video link at our office by yourself
  • in some instances, we can come to you.

We can also arrange for someone to speak on your behalf.

As well as speaking to you, SACAT will also speak to:

  • representatives from DCP
  • support workers who have an ongoing role or interest in your care
  • any other family members.

You don't need to be there when SACAT speaks to the other people involved in your care, but most of the time you can be if you want to be

Going to SACAT

SACAT will send you a letter, email or text message to tell you the date, time and location of your hearing. Tell us which one best suit you.

If you come to our office, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will tell you where you need to go.

The Tribunal can arrange for someone to help you, or we can arrange for someone to speak on your behalf.

You can also bring a friend or family member to sit with you in the hearing.

I want to make an application

You need to lodge an internal review with DCP before you can come to SACAT. Speak to someone in the Department for Child Protection to find out more about this.

Once that process has finished, you can make your application to SACAT.

All of our applications are made online.

You can fill out the online form yourself. If you need some extra help, give us a call and we can help you.

I need more help

You should never feel like you have to do this by yourself - there is help available to you.

Call us on 1800 723 767 for help or contact one of the following organisations.