Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2022

Public bill · Government · Presented

Sets out a new, more formal system for guardians ad litem, the independent people who speak for children in child care cases. It would give courts clearer rules on when they must or should appoint one, define what they do, require them to hear the child’s views where possible, and make the child’s best interests the main priority. It also updates related laws so officials can attend some private hearings for oversight, and so guardians can be vetted, authorised, supported with legal advice, and paid through a national service.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend and extend the law in relation to guardians ad litem appointed under the Child Care Act 1991; to amend section 29 of the Child Care Act 1991 to allow officers of the Minister to attend, for specific purposes, proceedings heard otherwise than in public; and for those and other purposes to amend the Child Care Act 1991, the Children Act 2001, the Mental Health Act 2001, the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 and the Children First Act 2015; to repeal certain provisions of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 11 September 2024