Overseas travel is a guardianship decision and any child or young person under the age of 16 requires the consent of a parent of guardian before a passport can be issued. The chief executive as a sole or additional guardian may consent to the application for a passport. If the chief executive is an additional guardian, the social worker must first seek the consent of the other guardians. If consent is refused, seek legal advice.
The requirements for issuing a passport to a child or young person under the age of 16 years when they are under the guardianship of the chief executive are set out in the Passport Act 1992. This requires that:
- a site manager confirms in writing, on letterhead, that the person who completed 'Section 10: Consent for issue of a passport to a child' of the application form has the authority to do so on behalf of the chief executive and that they have consulted with the other parents or guardians of the child or young person making the application
- a social worker or someone who fits the criteria for being the 'child witness' (as outlined in the guidance notes of the application form) needs to complete 'Section 11: Witness section'
- the original guardianship order accompanies the passport application.
When a young person is 16 years old they can complete their own passport application. However they still need someone who fits the criteria to complete Section 11 and arrange financial support.
For information regarding the international travel of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive go to theWhen children and young people move policy.
