Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026

Public bill · Government · Presented

The proposal would let a court restrict or remove a parent’s or guardian’s rights over a child where that guardian has been convicted of killing, or seriously assaulting, another guardian, or of another very serious offence that has harmed the child’s welfare. It also sets out how the Child and Family Agency can apply, how courts should review or delay orders until safe care is in place, and how children can be represented in those cases. The aim is to protect children while making the child’s best interests the main factor in every decision.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 to provide for the restriction or removal of guardianship of a child in certain circumstances by order of a court in proceedings for that purpose, in the resolution of which the court shall regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration; to amend certain provisions of Part VA of the Child Care Act 1991 in relation to the appointment of, and legal representation for, guardians ad litem; and to provide for related matters. 