The costs prohibition in s 88 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 does not apply, even by analogy, to Supreme Court proceedings for prerogative relief challenging District Court decisions on appeal from the Children's Court. The general rule that costs follow the event applies in such proceedings, and the public interest character of child welfare proceedings does not of itself warrant departure from that rule. Prior cases declining to make costs orders against parents are distinguishable where the child's welfare has been finally determined at all levels.
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