Cabinet approves plans to reform guardians ad litem

Children’s Minister Dr Katherine Zappone has secured Government approval for her proposals to reform the current guardians ad litem system.

The Childcare (Amendment) Bill 2017 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.

A spokesperson for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) told Irish Legal News that the general scheme and heads of the bill will now be published, and will be referred to the children and youth affairs committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.

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.