This summary consolidates information provided by the father, Stephen Christopher Cooke, to the Independent Children’s Lawyer, Jo Markham of JLM Family Lawyers, on Friday, 6 September 2024 at 6:44 AM, concerning the children Christian Finn Cooke (DOB 20/08/2014) and Joshua Finn Cooke (DOB 27/01/2017). The material was supplied to assist the ICL in understanding the children’s health, education, living arrangements, and the father’s parenting position.
Stephen Cooke (DOB 27/10/1981), an Australian and Canadian citizen, currently has the children for five nights per fortnight. He resides at 7A Bakeri Circuit, Warabrook NSW 2304, where the children have settled well. The home has a large front and back yard, three bedrooms, and is located in a quiet residential circuit with minimal through-traffic. The children share a bedroom, with a third room used as a music and study space. Stephen reports the neighbourhood provides a safe environment, nearby children of similar age, and a park within walking distance. The home is approximately 20 minutes from Merewether Heights Public School, allowing continuity of schooling and friendships.
Stephen was raised in the Catholic faith, which Heather supported throughout the relationship. The parties were married in a Catholic church, and both children were baptised. Faith remains part of Stephen’s household routine. When the boys are with him, they pray together nightly, including the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. Joshua learned a modern version of the Our Father at school, and Stephen also taught him the pre-1980s version he grew up with. Stephen reports the children have told him they no longer pray before bed when with their mother.
Christian has ongoing health needs including asthma, allergies, and ADHD. His asthma is managed in accordance with an asthma action plan, including Seretide as a preventer and Ventolin as a reliever. Stephen reports he is familiar with asthma management and has coordinated Christian’s care with the school and treating doctors over many years. Christian’s seasonal allergies are managed with antihistamines, regular bathing, eye drops, and minimising exposure to known allergens. Christian is prescribed Ritalin for ADHD and attends routine paediatric reviews. In 2023, Christian developed separation anxiety around school drop-offs and received treatment from a psychologist. Stephen reports he was excluded from a paediatric appointment on 12 March 2024 after the mother arrived.
Educationally, Christian demonstrates strong communication skills, reading comprehension, and insight, with some need for additional support in mathematics and written tasks. Teachers have provided positive feedback regarding his engagement and understanding of complex concepts.
Joshua is in good overall health. Stephen describes him as emotionally expressive, socially confident, and highly self-aware. Joshua is in Year 2 and is progressing well academically, working independently and confidently. His reading comprehension continues to improve, while writing benefits from support in organising ideas. Joshua engages well in interactive and hands-on learning environments and demonstrates creativity and leadership.
Stephen states he supports cooperative co-parenting but raises concerns about behaviours he believes undermine the children’s emotional security, including discouraging statements about belonging with him, restrictions on transferring sentimental items between homes, and difficulties coordinating medical care and medication dispensing. He proposes a structured approach to managing the children’s healthcare across households.
Stephen also provided evidence of consistent involvement in the children’s lives, including medical appointments, school engagement, extracurricular activities, and completion of recognised parenting programs. He reports both children have expressed a desire to spend more time with him and appear settled, secure, and thriving in his care.
