The primary function of the Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland is to provide Children’s Court Guardians who are appointed by the court to safeguard the interests of children in specified family law and adoption proceedings.
Article 60 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and Article 66A of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 govern the appointment of Children’s Court Guardians.
In carrying out its role, the Agency strives to ensure that Children’s Court Guardians fulfil their statutory duty to safeguard the interests of children and young people. They will provide an assessment of the child/young person’s needs, and represent their best interests, feelings, and voice in court. They are independent of the Health and Social Care Trusts, parents and carers.
The Agency has a 5 year Strategic Plan which details our vision... “Better outcomes for children and young people, through the promotion of their best interests and representation of their wishes and feelings in the family courts”.
Our latest Business Plan and Strategic Plan can be accessed here.