Legal Aid & the Courts Service
Who can I expect to see at a Care Order Hearing?
A number of people can be asked to attend court for a Care Order Hearing.
Some people will always be there, such as the Judge and the Registrar.
The social worker who applied for the Care Order will be there, and they will have a solicitor.
Sometimes, a GAL will be there, and they will also have a solicitor.
The parent(s) of the child will be there, and they usually will have a solicitor.
Other people may be asked by Tusla to attend as witnesses – this can include family members, teachers, G.P., or other figures in a child’s life.
Sometimes, Barristers will be present.
What is the role of the Judge?
The Judge makes the decisions in a courtroom. They sit at the top and listen to what each party has to say. The Judge will always make a decision that is in the best interests of the child.
What is the role of the Registrar?
The Registrar sits in front of the Judge. Their job is to write down everything that is said and all decisions that are made. The Registrar helps the Judge with courtroom admin and documents.
What is the role of the Solicitor?
The Solicitor speaks on their client’s behalf. They provide their clients with legal representation.
The parent(s) have a solicitor and Tusla has a solicitor. If a GAL is appointed to a case, then they will also have a solicitor.
What is the role of the GAL?
The GAL (Guardian ad Litem) speaks on behalf of the child. More information on GALs can be found here.
What is the role of the Witness(es)?
Witnesses are asked to attend court to give evidence. They sit in the witness box beside the Judge and answer questions that will help the Judge make their decision.
Witnesses will only be inside the courtroom when giving evidence; they are not usually present for the whole hearing.
What is the role of the Barrister?
In some cases, the Judge may request that Barristers be involved. This is not very common.
The Barrister is hired by the Solicitor to speak in court and make arguments. The parent(s) can have a Barrister and Tusla can have a Barrister. Sometimes, one parent will have a Barrister and the other will not, as they are represented seperately.
Get in touch
If you are a parent who’d like some support through childcare proceedings, freephone or email [email protected], the Parental Advocacy Service, delivered by Barnardos.
Our independent & confidential service is open to all parents of children in care.
1800 333 355.