Transitional Guardian ad litem

There will be a 12 month transitional period following commencement of the Guardian ad litem National Service under Section 35Q of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. During this time current Guardians ad litem appointed under section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991 who complete the required process and approvals under the Act may, if they choose, continue working with the children they are currently assigned to, ensuring continuity of care. Please find a detailed frequently asked questions document which outlines the process that will apply.

FAQ on Transitional Arrangements for current Guardians ad litem.

Your existing appointment will continue after commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, if satisfactory Garda Vetting is completed, and the Fit and Proper Assessment is completed. In addition, there is a need for validation your appointments under Section 26 and you must make a submission of relevant finance related documents. You will need to give your agreement that you will comply with the Code of Conduct for Guardians ad litem and the GALNS complaints procedure. To ensure that there is minimal disruption to proceedings and the children to whom they relate, your engagement is also required post commencement with an assigned Regional Manager regarding the safe and childcentred wind up of your workload over a 12-month period if you do not become authorised.

A fit and proper assessment is the process used by the GALNS to evaluate whether an individual is suitable to undertake the role of a Guardian ad litem during the transitional period, so that he or she can then continue to be appointed to any children that they were previously appointed to under Section 26. Each Guardian ad litem will be required to submit information to the GALNS. The Fit and Proper Assessment includes the following: • Relevant qualifications • Evidence of CORU registration (for professions subject to CORU registration) or Medical Council (where applicable) • Police Clearance Certificate (or equivalent). If you have spent a cumulative period of 12 months or more, (i.e. when you add all the periods of time together, it amounts to 12 months or more) outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland after the age of 18, you must submit a copy of your national police clearance (not state clearance) for each country where you lived. • Completion of a Fit and Proper questionnaire which will be available and issued by the GALNS in the coming weeks. • Confirmation of agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct for Guardians ad litem and the procedures for investigation of complaints against Guardians ad litem. • Confirmation of completion of Children First training. The Executive Office of the GALNS will review the submission of each Guardian ad litem and make a determination as to whether they are Fit and Proper to be deemed appointed under Section 35C of the 2022 Act. This will be assessed Information on the transition provisions under Section 35Q of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 P a g e | 6 Guardian ad litem National Service along with the Garda Vetting disclosure received from the National Vetting Bureau.