Bill to reform guardian ad litem service being finalised
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Dr Katherine Zappone
Draft legislation to reform the guardian ad litem service is currently “being finalised” by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
The Government’s Child Care (Amendment) Bill will set out the role and function of a guardian ad litem in child care proceedings, as well as the minimum qualifications and experience required for appointment as a guardian ad litem.
Children’s Minister Dr Katherine Zappone said work “is being progressed with a view to publishing the bill as soon as possible”.
The bill provides for a presumption that a guardian ad litem will be appointed in all child care proceedings, so that all children in child care proceedings will have their voice heard and their views represented.
They will inform the court of the child’s views and advise the court of what, in their professional opinion, is in the best interests of the child.
A nationally organised, managed and delivered guardian ad litem service will also be established.
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