Child Care (Guardian Ad Litem) Bill 2015

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The Child Care (Guardian Ad Litem) Bill 2015 would improve how independent representatives for children are appointed in child-care court cases. It would let the Minister for Children make detailed regulations, allow courts to decide whether a guardian should remain involved when a child becomes a party to proceedings, and set out factors courts should consider—such as the case’s complexity, the child’s ability to express views, absent parents, identity or nationality issues, and possible secure or out-of-state placements.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991 (as amended), to empower the Minister for Children to make regulations by Ministerial orders under the aforementioned section, to amend section 26(4) to grant a court the discretion to retain a guardian ad litem in circumstances where a child becomes party to proceedings, and to amend section 26(10) of the Child Care Act 1991 (as amended), to provide judicial guidelines for the appointment of a guardian ad litem in child care proceedings

Last updated 12 April 2018