Reform of Child Care Act to allow Children’s voices to be heard
“All children in child-care proceedings must have opportunity to access
Independent Guardian ad litem”
Minister Zappone to address Barnardo’s Conference at Croke Park
Statement by Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
A full review of the child care act will ensure that children in crisis are
given supports, protections and a voice in their future, according to the
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone.
The review will focus on ensuring that the views of children will be
central to any decisions which impact on their family and home life.
Minister Zappone was speaking ahead of a Barnardo’s Conference ‘Getting
the Balance Right’, which she will address at Croke Park today (Tues 4th
April 2017).
Minister Katherine Zappone added:
“We are at a key moment in our efforts to protect the most vulnerable
children in our country.
It is a quarter of a century since the introduction of the Child Care Act.
It is now time to revisit our laws, regulations and policies to examine
where we can do better for our children.
The review will ensure that the voice of the child is not lost or ignored.
It will be placed absolutely central to any decisions which are taken.
In addition we must end the adversarial nature of child care proceedings.
Such an approach can leave a legacy which makes rebuilding family and home
life difficult or even impossible.
We need the relationship between social work teams and families to be based
on trust and respect – allowing a mediated approach rather than courtroom
battles.
Today we gather to mark 20-years of the Barnardo’s Guardian ad litem (GAL)
service. A timely gathering as TDs and Senators will this week be
discussing legislation which will introduce a national regulated service.
This has been welcomed by children’s rights campaigners and is in line with
26 submissions received from organisations.
It is my intention that every child in care proceedings will have the
opportunity to avail of the support of such a guardian ad litem – with a
requirement on courts to give reasoning when an appointment is not made.
As the legislation underpinning the introduction of the new GAL National
Service progresses I look forward to continuing my discussions with
frontline organisations, rights groups and politicians from all sides to
ensure as a country we deliver for our children.