If you think that the United States is the only place where they have issues with Family Courts and Guardians ad litem - think again. Canada, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. This story comes to us from the emerald island. The article points out - any person can claim to be a guardian ad litem; that the system is ‘chaotic’ and a ‘free for all’. Nothing new here for those who have had the mis-fortune of a malpracticed Guardian ad litem. Surprisingly reform is being called for by an agency that has 32 Guardians ad litem working.
Irish Examiner
Nine firms and individuals acting as guardians to children in childcare court proceedings have received sums over €200,000 each from the Child and Family Agency this year.
Figures released by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, show that, to the end of November this year, €6.76m has been paid to guardian ad litems — court appointees who act as independent voices for children in family law cases.
The 2014 figure compares to guardian ad litems receiving €7.18m in 2013.
In response to a freedom of information request, the figures show the largest provider or guardian ad litems services in the country, Barnardos-Beacon, this year received just over €3m for the service it provides.
Full story: Irish Examiner
Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Ireland - No long-term solution yet to vetting of court-appointed guardians
In Ireland it is recognized that there are problems with the Guardian ad litem program they have. For many of the same reasons as can be found here in this country.
RTE
Guardians ad Litem are appointed by the courts on a case-by-case basis to provide an independent voice in childcare cases.
Their role is to represent the best interests of the child. As such they have considerable access to children, many of whom are in State care.
Sources close to the process said the Courts Service "reluctantly" agreed to take over the role in the absence of any agreement with other agencies, including the Department of Children, over who should assume responsibility for vetting.
The State spent more than €11m on fees and legal costs for Guardians ad Litem last year.
An estimated 60 Guardians ad Litem currently offer their services to the courts but the system is unregulated and there is currently no mandatory vetting of them.
The Courts Service's move follows concerns over a long period of time that the system of appointing Guardians ad Litem was ad-hoc and unregulated.
Full story: RTE
RTE
Guardians ad Litem are appointed by the courts on a case-by-case basis to provide an independent voice in childcare cases.
Their role is to represent the best interests of the child. As such they have considerable access to children, many of whom are in State care.
Sources close to the process said the Courts Service "reluctantly" agreed to take over the role in the absence of any agreement with other agencies, including the Department of Children, over who should assume responsibility for vetting.
The State spent more than €11m on fees and legal costs for Guardians ad Litem last year.
An estimated 60 Guardians ad Litem currently offer their services to the courts but the system is unregulated and there is currently no mandatory vetting of them.
The Courts Service's move follows concerns over a long period of time that the system of appointing Guardians ad Litem was ad-hoc and unregulated.
Full story: RTE
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