Guardian AD Litem
The Guardian ad Litem Service provides children involved in family law proceedings with an independent voice in court. A Guardian Ad Litem is an experienced and qualified person, with expertise in working with children.
A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the Court and advises on what is in the best interest of the child concerned. The Guardian ad Litem also makes the judge aware of the child's own wishes. The Guardian ad Litem consults with the child, the child's family, and any other organisations who know the child and the family. These consultations are crucial to ensure that the child's best interests are presented independently to the Court.
Barnardos Guardian ad Litem Service was established in 1997 and takes it name from the latin for Guardian At Law. Our service is based in Dublin and Cork, and we have people who work for us outside of these locations so we can cover all areas of Ireland.
The Guardian ad Litem Service can make a real difference - in the best interests of children and in the interests of justice in promoting better outcomes for children who are subjects of legal proceedings.
The Children Acts Advisory Board have published guidelines for the qualifications, appointment and work of Guardians ad Litem. This is available at www.caab.ie.
How a Guardian ad Litem becomes involved
It is always the Judge who decides if a Guardian ad Litem will be appointed and who it will be. However, anyone involved in certain types of cases can make an application to the court for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem. Barnardos regularly provides the courts with lists of our team members available for work in their local areas.
Here are some examples of where a Guardian ad Litem should be considered:
Children in care
Where the HSE have applied to the court for a Care Order, an Interim Care Order or a Supervision Order on a child
Where the child is likely to be placed in long-term care, or where brothers and sisters might be separated
Where the child's wishes differ significantly from their care plan
Where there is a substantial dispute over the care plan - especially when there are changes in access between a child and their family
Where a child's liberty is at issue because of behaviour problems, such as special care applications
Where a parent is unable or unwilling to fully participate in the proceedings, or where there are significant nationality, language or cultural differences
Family law
Where there is continued significant disagreement between parents on the care of the children after family breakdown, and where mediation has not helped to reach agreement. Guardians ad Litem from our service can provide a report to the court on the wishes of the child and make recommendations regarding their interests – please contact the offices below for further information.
Contacting Us
If you would like more information about our Guardian ad Litem service, please contact one of our offices.
Dublin
A: Barnardos, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8
T: 01 453 0355
F: 01 453 0300
E: guardian@barnardos.ie
Cork
A: Barnardos, The Bowling Green, White Street, Cork
T: 021 431 0591
E: gal@cork.barnardos.ie