Your so right when you talk about magistrates are as much to blame when orders are granted without proof on the Department's end...but they are deciding in the best interest of the child if a parent is unable to respond to or know how to respond to the Depart.

I was just a lucky parent who was able to catch on really quick how to do that and talented enough to both open my mouth and speak up for myself and demanding the proof of such and such of crap (didn't say that but along them lines and that's from watching too much CSI, Criminal minds and other legal shows..Judge Judy! LOver her) anyway and then managed to respond with affidavits.

The parent unfortunately does have to know what to say, do and perform when in court, dress, act and feel the part of a lawyer, it worked for me and I felt I acted the part well...it helped win my case and I came across better than my estranged partner and other ex's lawyers, the sep rep and DChS lawyers...

Parents can do it, they need knowledge and support like you said kickemout...