Children’s Court Advocate Service – Childhood Matters

About the Children’s Court Advocate Service
The Children’s Court Advocate is a free pilot service funded the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and migration and delivered by Childhood Matters.

The service provides children and young people aged 5-18 years with a free, safe, structured and independent space to share their views, wishes and experiences to the court when decisions about their lives are being made in Waterford District Court.

Who is the service for?
The Children’s Court Advocate service is specifically for children and young people aged 5-18 years involved in private family law proceedings relating to
• Custody
• Guardianship
• Access

How does it work?
A Children’s Court Advocate is an independent person who meets the child and helps them share what they think and feel about their situation. The advocate makes sure the child’s views are communicated directly to the court, in the child’s own words through a Voice of the Child Report.

The advocate does not make decisions about custody, guardianship or access, that is the Judge’s role. The advocate’s role is simply to make sure that the child’s voice is heard and considered when the court is making decisions that affect their life.

Who can refer?
Referrals can be made by all parties involved in Private Family Law proceedings such as parents, grandparents, guardians and legal representatives. A referral can also be made by Court Direction.