The shock departure of Department of Children and Families chief executive Brent Warren comes amid delays in court proceedings due to confusion in the department over controversial new child removal laws, while Minister Robyn Cahill’s office has refused to answer questions or explain why Mr Warren suddenly left the role last week, less than a year after she appointed him.

The department, which has oversight of the CLP’s controversial new child placement laws, is now on its second acting CEO in a year, while a third CEO in 24 months is currently recruited.

Northern Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency chief executive Ben Grimes said NAAJA held deep concerns about the sudden departure of Mr Warren, “so soon after the rollout of the most significant changes to child protection in a generation”, describing the department as being in “chaos”.

Mr Grimes added the department is holding up court proceedings because it “doesn’t know how aspects of their own [child protection] law operates as they scramble to work through the issues”.

“The [CLP’s child placement] laws were developed in secrecy and rushed through,” Mr Grimes said. “Warnings from experts about problems with the bill and challenges within the department have been ignored.

“Implementation has also been rushed, with legislation commencing before the department had time to embed adequate policies and train staff on the interpretation and operation of the new laws.”

The CLP passed the controversial laws in July, leading to the resignation of Children’s Commissioner Shahleena Musk in protest, while critics have said the dilution of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle had the potential to create another Stolen Generation.

Mr Grimes said in the first two weeks since the CLP’s child placement laws commenced, the courts have seen “a sharp spike” in the number of children removed.

“With existing matters delayed, this can only cause more delay,” he said.

“The fact remains that there are no additional resources and no clear plan to provide the meaningful support and assistance families need. The same overstretched workforce is now dealing with more removals, without clear guidance or additional support.”

Mr Grimes added the government changed the laws and departmental systems before fully understanding it was not “equipped” to deal with the ramifications.

“Mr Warren’s sudden departure is the latest sign of a department in chaos,” he said. “This rushed and poorly planned implementation is putting vulnerable children at risk.”

Independent MLA Justine Davis said the Minister needs to explain to Territorians what is going on in the department.

“In the midst of some of the most harmful changes to the NT child protection system, and the closure of an essential homelessness service [YiSSA facility], the sudden and unexplained departure of the CEO of the Department of Children and Families raises serious questions about what is going on inside the department responsible for the safety of some of the most vulnerable people in the NT,” she said.

Labor Opposition Children and Families spokesman Chansey Paech said the Minister needed to be held accountable for the turmoil in the office.

“A second leadership change in two years raises serious questions about whether Robyn Cahill remains the right person to lead the Children and Families portfolio,” he said.

“It comes during major changes to the child protection system, when staff are already under enormous pressure and strong ministerial leadership is critical.”

Ms Cahill’s office has repeatedly refused to comment since Mr Warren’s exit was revealed in the media on Friday.

Mr Warren told staff in an email on Friday that he wanted them to “hear directly” from him about his departure but offered no reasons. He said he was taking a new job in the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.

His unexplained exit also comes amid an investigation into the department’s handling of the Kumanjayi Little Baby case.

Staffer Karen Broadfoot is currently acting CEO while a national recruitment process is undertaken with no timeframe for completion provided.