Children’s Court jurisdictions The Children’s Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine matters of the following type: Criminal Offence Applications for apprehended violence orders Applications for compulsory schooling orders with respect to the parents of a child, and in some cases the child, who has not been attending compulsory schooling. Matters regarding the care and protection of children involving the Department of Communities and Justice. Breaches of parole and the eligibility to be released on parole. Not all matters concerning children and young persons will be heard at the Children’s Court. Traffic offences committed by a juvenile who is old enough to apply for a licence will be heard at the Local Court. Matters involving separation and divorce where parents are arguing over the custody and responsibility of children are heard in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. The Supreme Court of NSW deals with adoption matters. All matters heard in the Children’s Court are considered sensitive and each matter is heard in a closed court. When a court is closed, only the parties directly involved in the proceedings may be present in the courtroom, this would include the Magistrate, the Prosecutor or Department of Communities and Justice, lawyers, the young person and their support person/s. It may also include Juvenile Justice or Caseworkers if necessary. Read More on The Children's Court in NSW