'Voice of the child' guidelines published
The Government has launched guidelines for the preparation of 'voice of the child' reports in private family-law cases.
The guidelines were developed by the Voice of the Child Working Group, which was set up in October 2024 under the Government's family-justice strategy.
The development of the guidelines, as well as templates, arose from recommendations made by a review of expert reports in family-law cases.
The Department of Justice says that they are designed to improve the child’s experience of having their voice heard in private family-law proceedings, increase confidence and understanding in the process among children, families, and practitioners, and promote consistency and high standards of practice nationwide.
'More child-centred system'
“These guidelines will help ensure a consistent and high-quality approach to supporting children to express their views in family-law proceedings and will strengthen our efforts to build a more child-centred family-justice system," said Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan.
The guidelines stress that children should be provided with the opportunity to express their views in a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate manner.
According to the department, they also recognise that, while every child has the right to be heard, every child equally has the right not to express a view if they do not wish to do so.
Consultation
A consultation process was carried out with children and young people to ensure their voices and feedback were considered in the development of the guidelines and templates.
The publication is part of a wider programme of reform that includes a Children's Court Advocate Pilot Project in Waterford and Clonmel.
Budget 2027 allocated €2.5 million to fund the pilot project.