Guardian ad Litem National Service

The Guardian ad litem National Service is being established under the Department of Children, Disability & Equality to ensure that every child’s voice is heard and their best interests are independently presented to the court in care proceedings across Ireland.

This new national service will deliver a consistent, high-quality, child-centred approach, grounded in children’s rights and supported by clear standards, professional oversight, and accountability. The Guardian ad litem National Service will work in partnership with stakeholders to uphold children’s rights under Ireland’s Constitution (Ar­ticle 42A) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring that children’s views and their best interest are the heart of judicial decision making.

A Guardian ad litem is a qualified and experienced professional who meets with the child and get their views and provides a report to the Judge on those views. They also provide recommendations to the Judge on what is in the best interest of the child. Guardians ad litem are independent in their function as set out in the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. They work collaboratively with all those who are involved in the child’s life to get the best outcome for the child.

Why it matters

Guardians ad litem enhance decision-making in child care proceedings by ensuring the child’s voice is central to the process. They provide an independent perspective that helps the court make informed decisions about the child’s welfare. Importantly, Guardians ad litem also communicate with the child throughout the proceedings, helping them understand what is happening and keeping them informed in a way that is appropriate to their age and needs.

How Guardians ad litem Work

• Role in court proceedings: The Guardian ad litem meets with the child, gathers their views, and provides an independent report to the judge, including recommendations on what is in the child’s best interests.
• Interaction with children and professionals: Guardians ad litem work directly with the child in an age-appropriate way and engage with parents, carers, social workers, and other professionals to understand the child’s circumstances.
• Independence and child-centred practice: Guardians ad litem act independently of all parties and focus solely on the child’s views, their rights and best interest.

Legal basis

The role of the Guardian ad litem is currently provided for under the Child Care Act 1991 and will be amended once the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 is commenced.

The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 introduced significant reforms to strengthen the role of Guardians ad litem in child care proceedings. Key provisions include:

• Presumption in favour of appointment in District Court child care cases.
• Mandatory appointment in High Court special care cases.
• Creating a system of authorisation of Guardians ad litem.
• Establishing qualifications, standards, and governance for Guardians ad litem.
• Providing for the transition to a national service under the Department of Children, Disability, & Equality.

For more details, please see the full text of the Act.

Current system

Guardian ad litem appointments are currently made on an ad hoc basis, leading to variations in practice and access across the country.

Reform goal

The new national service will provide universal access, consistency, and quality in how children’s voices and best interests are represented in court proceedings.

Benefits

• A standardised approach to appointments and practice.
• Stronger emphasis on children’s rights and best interests in line with the Constitution and international obligations.
• Clear governance, professional standards, and accountability.
• Creation of child-friendly information to help children understand their rights.
• Collation of national insights to improve the child care system.

• Key milestones:
  • 2022: Act signed into law.
  • 2023: Appointment of Anthony Douglas CBE as advisor.
  • 2025: Executive Office established; Director appointed.
  • 2025: Project Implementation Plan Approved by DCDE Management Board
  • 2025: Confirmation of budgetary allocation for 2026.
• Current status: Preparatory work ongoing; stakeholder engagement in progress.

We are committed to transparency as the Guardian ad litem National Service is established.

Check this page for news on:

• Recruitment opportunities
• Regulations and standards
• Service launch timelines

Related Links

• Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration
• Irish Statute Book

GALNationalService@dcde.gov.ie

Who We Are

The Guardian ad litem National Service is being established under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration. Our role is to ensure that children’s voices and best interests are independently presented to the court in child care proceedings across Ireland.

Our Mission

To deliver a high-quality, child-centred guardian ad litem service for children in care proceedings through a national approach that is consistent, independent, professional, and upholding their right to have their views heard and their best interests treated as a primary consideration in decisions about them.

Our Structure

The Executive Office of the Guardian ad litem National Service oversees:

• Development of the national service framework.
• Setting professional standards and qualifications.
• Recruitment, training, and quality assurance for Guardians ad litem.
• Governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.