New child-friendly family justice resources launched

Jim O'Callaghan

The new series is aimed at children aged 8-12 years who are experiencing family change such as separation or divorce, or whose parents are navigating the family courts system.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “It is a priority for me that we ensure a greater understanding of the family law system in order to maintain and build trust in it. This applies to people of all ages, including children.

“During times of family change it is understandable that children and young people may have a lot of questions.

“The videos I am launching today are designed to help children understand these changes and reassure them that supports are available.

“Each video focuses on a specific topic or stage that a child may encounter as their family goes through the family courts system or engages with family justice processes such as mediation.”

The child-friendly family law resources are an “important part” of the ongoing reform of the family justice system in Ireland. They fulfil a “key action” in the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025, a programme of reform which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children, who are central to many family justice matters.

Mr O’Callaghan added: “I would like to thank the many family and child-centred service providers who collaborated and engaged with my department. In particular, I want to mention the Courts Service, Legal Aid Board and Cuan, who generously shared their time, insights and first-hand experience throughout the development of these resources.

“Their involvement has been essential in ensuring the information provided is accurate and, most importantly, understandable for the children and their families who are accessing it.” 

The series of videos is now available at www.gov.ie/FamilyChanges and can also be accessed on the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration’s YouTube Channel here.

The Child-friendly Family Justice Resources project was supported with assistance from the Dormant Accounts Fund.