Transitional Guardian ad litem Information

The Guardian ad litem National Service has been established to support the enactment of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, creating a nationally organised and managed service to ensure that the voices and best interests of children are independently presented to the Court in child care proceedings.

As part of the move from the previous arrangements under the Child Care Act 1991 to the new statutory service, the Act makes provision for transitional arrangements for Guardians ad litem who were appointed under Section 26 of the 1991 Act.

This page provides information on those transitional arrangements and outlines the standards, requirements, and governance framework that apply during the transition to the national service.

Section 35Q of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 provides for a transitional period during which Guardians ad litem may be considered for continued appointment within the new national service structure.

Transitional appointment is not automatic. It is subject to:

• completion of an application process established by the Guardian ad litem National Service
• the successful outcome of vetting and fit‑and‑proper assessments, and
• compliance with specified professional, training, and governance requirements.

The transitional application process was designed to ensure continuity for children and Courts, while also establishing consistent national standards for the new service. Only applicants who successfully completed this process could be considered for transitional appointment within the Guardian ad litem National Service.

The transitional application process has now concluded. Applications submitted during the specified application period are being managed in accordance with the arrangements set out under the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022.

Guardians ad litem who participated in the process will be contacted directly in relation to the outcome of their application or any further steps required. The Guardian ad litem National Service will hold an information session once outcome is issued. This will be shared with relevant individuals in due course.

FAQ on Transitional Arrangements for current Guardians ad litem.