Legal Aid & the Courts Service
What is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in child care proceedings. A GAL is an independent, professional, third party in legal proceedings, representing the best interests of the child.
The GAL will represent the child’s voice and the child’s needs in court by submitting a report and by giving evidence in the court hearing.
For more information on Barnardos GALs click here: here. Gallore and Tigala also provide GAL services.
What does a GAL do?
The role of a GAL is to speak on behalf of the child in court, voicing the child’s wishes and their own view of the child’s wishes.
The GAL will carry out an assessment of these needs by meeting regularly with the child, the parent(s), the social worker, and any other important people in the child’s life (teachers, G.P., etc).
The GAL will make recommendations and suggestions on what is best for the child and can present these in court.
Who appoints a GAL?
A GAL is appointed through the courts on the recommendation of the Judge.
If a child is placed under a Voluntary Care Agreement, a parent can make an application through the courts for a GAL to be appointed. For more information on this, please click here.
A GAL is required in all Special Care Orders in the High Court. You can find out more about Special Care Orders here.
What is the parent’s involvement with the GAL?
The GAL and the parent(s) will meet regularly.
The GAL will provide updates on the child’s needs, and will also look to understand the views and experiences of the parents.
The GAL will also attend all meetings with the professionals involved in the care order process.
Get in touch
If you are a parent who’d like some support through childcare proceedings, freephone or email [email protected], the Parental Advocacy Service, delivered by Barnardos.
Our independent & confidential service is open to all parents of children in care.
1800 333 355.