Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Service
A new pilot service that gives children a voice in guardianship, access and custody proceedings before the District Court.
Helping the court to hear the voice of the child
For many children involved in family law proceedings, there is no direct way for their views to be heard by the court. This free pilot service helps address that gap by giving children an opportunity to express their wishes and views in a safe, child-friendly way. The service is being piloted in the District Courts in Clonmel and Waterford and is funded by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The service offers:
● A dedicated Children’s Court Advocate who meets with the child in a safe, child-friendly way.
● A written report shared with the court, setting out the child’s wishes and views.
● An approach grounded in children’s rights and meaningful participation.
● A free service for children and Families in the pilot locations.
Who This Service Is For
This free pilot is for children aged 5 to 18 who are involved in guardianship, access or custody applications before the District Court in Clonmel or Waterford.
The service may be suitable if:
- A child is involved in a family law case relating to guardianship, access or custody.
- The guardianship, access or custody application is lodged in either the Clonmel or Waterford District Court Offices.
- Someone involved in the case — such as the applicant or respondent — would like the child’s views to be heard by the court.
- Each referral is considered carefully to ensure the service is appropriate and safe for the child. Some situations may require further discussion before a referral can proceed.
The Child’s Voice is at the Heart of the Process
The Children’s Court Advocate meets with the child, usually on two occasions, creating a safe and supportive space where they can share their views and experiences.
Advocates use age-appropriate communication methods and adapt their approach to the child’s age, stage of development and individual needs. The child’s words and perspective inform a report prepared for the judge.
The Children’s Court Advocate is independent and impartial. Their role is not to take sides or make recommendations about the outcome of the case, but to help the court understand the child’s wishes and views.
About the Children’s Court Advocate
The service follows a structured process designed to protect the child and ensure fairness for everyone involved.
Each referral is screened carefully, and parental consent is sought before the Advocate meets with the child, unless the court has ordered the parties to engage with the service. The Advocate prepares a report for the court that outlines the child’s views.
The Advocate:
√ Meets with the child.
√ Explains the process.
√ Builds rapport.
√ Supports the child to express their views.
√ Prepares a report for the court that outlines the child’s views and wishes.
√ Gives the Child information on the court process.
The Advocate does not:
× Conduct a best interest’s assessment.
× Undertake family investigations or interview anyone other than the child.
× Make recommendations to the court.
× Represent any party.
× Have a long-term therapeutic relationship with the child.
Built on Children’s Rights
Every child has the right to be heard when decisions are being made about their life.
- The service is informed by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 42A of the Irish Constitution.
- The service adapts the principles of the Lundy Model of Child Participation.
- Advocates are qualified professionals in line with the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 (Child’s Views Expert) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 271/2026).
Every child deserves the chance to be heard. The Children’s Court Advocate Service makes sure that happens for children involved in guardianship, custody and access court proceedings.
What Is The Referral Process?
Referral received.
Screening and allocation.
Consent of parents/guardians.
Information gathering.
Child engagement.
Report preparation.
Report submitted to court.
In some cases, additional steps may be considered to further support a child’s participation in the process.
Opportunities for the child to meet with the Judge.
Opportunities for the Advocate to give the child feedback about the outcome of proceedings, where appropriate.
Outcomes
For the Child
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- Participate in decisions affecting their lives.
- Feel heard and respected.
- Understand that their views matters.
- Better understand the process and their role within it.
For the Court
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- Additional information to support decision making.
- Greater insight into child’s perspective.
- Ensuring the child’s voice is included from the start.
- Reducing delays.
- Trained and regulated advocates providing reports.
- Consistency in how the child’s voice is heard, ensuring compliance with constitutional (Article 42A) and international obligations (UNCRC) to hear the voice of the child in the two pilot areas.
Outcomes for Parents/Carers/Family Members
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- Greater insight into the child’s perspective.
- Reduce delays.
- No cost to families.
Referral Details
Who Can Refer
Referrals can be initiated by parties involved in family law proceedings, including:
• Applicants.
• Respondents.
• Legal representatives acting on their behalf.
Essentially, referrals can arise from anyone involved in court proceedings relating to guardianship, custody or access arrangements. This includes parents, guardians, grandparents or other family members.
Notice: Referrals for the service will commence from October 27th.
Contact the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Service using the details below.
Clonmel Office:
Market Place Shopping Centre
Market Place
Clonmel
Co Tipperary
E91 N5V9
CCAClonmel@childhood-matters.ie
0526156088
Waterford Office:
48 The Glen
Waterford
X91 HWF9
CCAWaterfordCity@childhood-matters.ie
051267705
In Association with:
Resources
Do I have to pay for this service?
No, this service is funded by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration so there are no costs for those accessing the service.
Is the Children's Court Advocate the same as a Guardian ad Litem?
No. The Children’s Court Advocate and a Guardian ad litem have different roles. The Advocate’s role is specifically to listen to the child’s own views and share them with the court. For more information on Guardians ad litem please visit the Guardian ad litem National Service.
The Children’s Court Advocate:
- focuses only on the child’s views and wishes.
- does not interview anyone else.
- does not assess what is in the child’s best interests.
Does the child have to take part?
The child’s participation is voluntary and supported. The process is explained to the child clearly and sensitively. The child’s consent to engage is sought and confirmed throughout the process.
Where the child does not want to engage with the service, the Children’s Court Advocate will let the Judge know.
Will the parents see the report?
The report is prepared for the court. Parents or solicitors may only access it through the court process.
What if there is ongoing domestic violence in the case?
Each referral is considered carefully on its own merits. The presence of domestic violence does not automatically exclude a case, but the team will assess whether participation is suitable and safe for the child in the specific circumstances.
Can I access this service from outside Clonmel or Waterford?
This pilot applies to cases before the District Court in Clonmel and Waterford only. It is linked to court jurisdiction, not where a family lives.
Can the child decide what happens in court?
No. The judge remains responsible for making decisions in the child’s best interests. The role of the service is to ensure the child’s wishes and views are heard and considered as part of that process.
Could this service help someone you support?
When you’re ready, follow the referral steps to get in touch with our team.
