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Inappropriate questioning about my child’s father caused dis...

Posted By woodpigeonee54

"Inappropriate questioning about my child’s father caused distress"

About: Bunbury / Harvey / Leschenault Community Health Service

(as a parent/guardian),

I attended an appointment with my child through a local health service and was asked multiple questions about my child’s father that were not relevant to the care being provided.

The information they had recorded was incorrect, and I explained that paternity has not been legally established and the father is not listed on the birth certificate. Despite this, I was still questioned about his details, which I found inappropriate and distressing.

As a parent, I expect my child’s care to focus on their health and development, not on personal or legal matters that are not relevant or confirmed. Being repeatedly asked about this put me in an uncomfortable position and caused unnecessary emotional stress.

After raising this concern, I was later contacted and advised that the information has now been moved to the background and is no longer part of the active records. While I appreciate that this was addressed, I do not feel that the situation was handled appropriately in the first place.

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Responses

Response from Kirsten Bosich, Allied Health Manager - Community Health., Naturaliste Community Health, WACHS- South West 13 hours ago
Kirsten Bosich
Allied Health Manager - Community Health., Naturaliste Community Health,
WACHS- South West

Manager of Child Development Services

Submitted on 31/03/2026 at 2:59 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 3:50 PM

picture of Kirsten Bosich

Dear woodpigeonee54,

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your recent experience attending an appointment with your child at our Community Health site. I was sorry to hear that your interaction with staff caused unnecessary emotional distress.

We value feedback of this nature, as it provides important opportunities for staff reflection, training, and professional development. This helps ensure we continue to communicate respectfully and supportively with parents and families accessing our services. I will discuss your concerns with the relevant staff members to ensure appropriate improvements are implemented.

If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me on 0419 942 961.

Yours sincerely,

Kirsten Bosich

Manager, Southwest Child Development Services

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by woodpigeonee54 (a parent/guardian)

Dear Kirsten,

Thank you for your response and for acknowledging my concerns.

I would like to be clear that the questioning I experienced was not only inappropriate but also distressing, particularly given that there are no legal requirements for me to provide details about my child’s father in these circumstances. As he is not listed on the birth certificate and there is no established legal or parental arrangement in place, I do not consent to any further questioning or recording of his details.

I would appreciate confirmation that this information will be removed from your records and that staff are made aware that this line of questioning is not appropriate moving forward.

I would also like to request a formal apology from those involved, as their conduct contributed to the distress caused.

My priority is ensuring that my child can access services in a safe and respectful environment without unnecessary distress or intrusion into private matters.

Kind regards,

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