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Courts prepare for new decision-making system

The Courts Service has said that new court rules will be developed “in the coming weeks” to set out the procedures for applications under a new system of assisted decision-making that will replace wardship.

Earlier this week, the Government set 26 April as the commencement date for the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (ADMC).

The act provides for a new legal framework to support people who may have difficulties with their capacity to make certain decisions.

New IT system

ADMC applications will be made to the Circuit Court, and a Decision Support Service (DSS) will oversee the operation of the legislation, and carry out the functions currently carried out by the Office of the Wards of Court.

The courts body said that it had been working over the past two years with members of the judiciary, the DSS, the HSE, the Law Society, and other organisations to plan for the successful implementation of the legislation and the new framework.

It has invested in a new IT system, as well as in training for staff on how to handle the new applications.

The service has also set up a dedicated page on ADMC on its website.