26Reports by family consultants

#### 26 Reports by family consultants (1) In proceedings under these Regulations in a court, the court may: (a) direct a family consultant to report to the court on such matters that are relevant to the proceedings as the court considers to be appropriate; and (b) adjourn the proceedings until the report is made. (2) A family consultant may include in a report, in addition to the matters required to be included in the report, any other matter that relates to the care, welfare or development of the child. (3) The court may make such orders, or give such further directions, as it considers appropriate in relation to the preparation of the report including, if the court considers it appropriate, orders or directions in relation to the attendance on the family consultant of a party to the proceedings or of the child. (4) If a person fails to comply with any order or direction under subregulation (3), the family consultant must report the failure to the court. (5) If, under subregulation (4), a family consultant reports to the court a failure of the kind referred to in that subsection, the court may give such further directions in relation to the preparation of the report as the court considers appropriate. (6) A report made to the court in accordance with a direction given under this regulation may be received in evidence in any proceedings under these Regulations. (7) The court may direct the Commonwealth Central Authority or a State Central Authority to inform a Central Authority in a convention country about a matter that: (a) relates to the welfare of the child; and (b) under subregulation (2)—is included in a report.