New advocates to amplify children's voices in family disputes
A pilot service launched by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will help young people participate in proceedings that affect their lives. It begins in Clonmel and Waterford, with Childhood Matters delivering support and independent researchers assessing its effectiveness.
Children involved in private family law cases will receive support to express their views under a new court advocate pilot launched by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan in Clonmel.
Initially operating in Clonmel and Waterford, the service will support children in guardianship, custody and access proceedings. Childhood Matters was awarded the contract to deliver it following an open procurement process.
O'Callaghan said children's voices could be “drowned out in contentious disputes” and their interests overlooked. The pilot, he said, would help ensure their perspectives are appropriately considered by the courts.
Childhood Matters chief executive Dr Calem De Burca said the service would help children express what matters to them “in their own words” and ensure their views are faithfully represented in court.
The initiative follows a June 2024 review of expert reports in family law. It draws on the Lundy Model of Participation, which emphasises giving children space and support to speak, and ensuring decision-makers listen and their views inform decisions.
A University of Limerick team will independently evaluate the pilot. An implementation group including the judiciary, Courts Service, department, Childhood Matters and evaluators will oversee it. Courts Service assistant secretary Emer Darcy said the organisation looked forward to implementing and learning from the pilot.