Application to avail of transition as a Guardian ad litem under section 35Q

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.

This online application form must be completed by all Guardians ad litem who are currently appointed under Section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991 and who wish to continue in the role during the transitional period provided for under Section 35Q of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. Only those who successfully complete this application process, including the vetting and fit‑and‑proper assessments, can be considered for transitional appointment.

This form must be completed in a single sitting. It is anticipated that completing this form will take between 30 to 45 minutes. Your progress cannot be saved, and you will not be able to return to a partially completed form.

Because of this, we strongly recommend that all applicants:

1. Read the following sections before starting the application

• FAQ on Transitional Arrangements for current Guardians ad litem

1. Gather all required information and documents in advance, including:
   1. Educational qualifications
   2. CORU or Medical Council registration, where applicable
   3. Two Children First e‑learning certificates
2. Introduction to Children First
3. Children First: Mandated Person Role and Responsibilities

All applicants must have completed the mandatory Tusla Children First e‑learning modules within the past two years.

Note: To ensure your application can be processed without delay, please ensure that any documents you upload are clear, legible, and complete. Preferably, you should upload documents in PDF format, as this provides the best quality and consistency. Please note that if any uploaded document is unclear, illegible, incomplete, or cannot be authenticated, GALNS may need to request a replacement or confirmation. This may result in delays to the processing of your application.

1. Read and understand the following documents:
   1. The Code of Conduct for Guardians ad litem
   2. The Complaints Procedure for Guardians ad litem
   3. Financial requirements and payment processes for transitional Guardians ad litem.
   4. DCDE Supplier Setup Form

Note: You will be required to make a declaration in your application that you have read and understood these documents

Applications will be accepted during the following timeframe:

• Opening Date: 10:00am 13 March 2026
• Closing Date: 5:00pm 13 April 2026

Note: The Executive Office cannot consider you for transition under Section 35Q if you fail to submit a completed form, with all required documentation and declarations. A nil response by the closing date will be determined to mean that you do not wish to avail of 35Q and that your appointment(s) under Section 26 will cease on the commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. By proceeding, you confirm that you understand the above requirements and are ready to complete the application in one sitting.