Information on the services we provide for Parents and Carers
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
The Guardian Ad Litem is an independent officer of the Court who is experienced in working with children and families.
The Guardian Ad Litem is employed by the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency, whose headquarters are based at
Centre House
79 Chichester Street
BELFAST BT1 4JE
Telephone Number: 028 90 316550
Why is a Guardian Ad Litem appointed?
The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 came into force on the 4th November 1996 and has made a number of important changes that effect the care of children.
One of these changes is that the Court will appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to give an independent view of :-
What they think is best for your child
To advise the Court of your child's wishes and feelings
When is a Guardian Ad Litem appointed?
The Court has to consider appointing a Guardian Ad Litem if it is dealing with any of the following specified public law proceedings including:
Care or Supervision Orders
Child Assessment or Emergency Protection Orders
Contact Orders relating to Children in Care
Residence Orders for Children already in Care
Placement of Young People in Secure Accommodation
Further information on the role of the Guardian Ad Litem in specified public law proceedings is currently being prepared for this publication scheme. This information will be made available through this publication scheme before 28/02/2009. Should you require this information sooner, please contact our Communications Manager by emailing
Where a child is subject to adoption proceedings, the Court will also appoint a Guardian Ad Litem. Information on the service Guardians provide in relation to adoption proceedings is available by clicking this link
If a child or young person is subject to freeing for adoption proceedings, the Court will appoint a Guardian. Information on this service is available by clicking this link
What does a Guardian Ad Litem do?
The most important task for the Guardian Ad Litem is to write a Court report with recommendations about the future care of your child.
The Guardian Ad Litem appoints a Solicitor for your child unless there is already a Solicitor involved. This is to make sure that your child's legal rights have been fully considered.
The Guardian Ad Litem will instruct the Solicitor in your child's best interests if your child is too young. If your child has sufficient understanding of the Court process and about any future plans they may be able to instruct the Solicitor themselves.
The Guardian Ad Litem will ask you about your child. They will meet your child and talk to him/her about what they would like to see happen. The Guardian Ad Litem will meet the Social Worker from the Social Services office and talk to them about your child. They will ask to see the files and records and find out what they are planning.
The Guardian Ad Litem may also attend any meeting regarding your child and will meet anyone else they may think is important.
After doing all of this the Guardian Ad Litem will write their report for Court. The report is Confidential and belongs to the Court. It will be given to all of the parties and/or their Solicitors before the Court hearing.
For information on the service Guardians provide in relation to Adoption Proceedings, please click this link
