New guidelines ensure children have a voice in courts
Comprehensive reporting templates were introduced to prioritise youngsters during private family law cases across the country. The initiative stems from ongoing family justice reforms and includes funding for an upcoming pilot project in Waterford and Clonmel.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 1 min read
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan introduced a new framework of guidelines and templates designed to ensure youngsters are properly heard during private family law proceedings. Developed by a dedicated working group established in October 2024, the initiative stems from the broader national family justice strategy.
The framework is grounded in the established Lundy Model, ensuring that participants can express their opinions safely while also respecting their right to remain silent if they prefer. Young people themselves were consulted during the drafting process to ensure their lived experiences and feedback directly shaped the final templates.
Alongside these newly published standards, the Department secured funding in the 2027 Estimates to trial a Children's Court Advocate Pilot Project in Waterford and Clonmel. Further details and resources regarding the rollout are available on the official government website.
The framework is grounded in the established Lundy Model, ensuring that participants can express their opinions safely while also respecting their right to remain silent if they prefer. Young people themselves were consulted during the drafting process to ensure their lived experiences and feedback directly shaped the final templates.
Alongside these newly published standards, the Department secured funding in the 2027 Estimates to trial a Children's Court Advocate Pilot Project in Waterford and Clonmel. Further details and resources regarding the rollout are available on the official government website.
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