The Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland was formerly known as the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency (NIGALA).
The primary function of the Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland is to provide Children's Court Guardians (Guardians) who are appointed by the court to safeguard the interests of children in family law proceedings, including care and adoption proceedings.
The Agency
The Agency operates as an Arm’s Length Body, accountable to the Minister and the Department of Health. We are supported by, and report, to our Sponsor Branch and have a Partnership Agreement with the Department of Health which explains the overall governance framework within which the Agency operates.
The Minister has appointed a Board to oversee the Agency. The Board of the Children’s Court Guardian Agency includes a Non-Executive Chair, four Non-Executive Members, and the Chief Executive. The Agency is led by a small Senior Leadership Team, which consists of the CEO, Assistant Director and Corporate Services Manager. The Agency has an Operational Leadership Team of 4 Guardian Services Managers and the Assistant Director.
Children’s Court Guardians
A Children’s Court Guardian is appointed by the court to represent children and young people in public family law and adoption proceedings, currently under The Children (NI) Order 1995 and The Adoption (NI) Order 1987 which will be integrated under The Adoption and Children (NI) Order 2022. When an HSC Trust makes an application for a public law order the court appoints a Guardian to represent the child or young person for the duration of the court proceedings.
Guardians are employed by the Agency which is funded by the Department of Health. The role of the Guardian is prescribed in legislation and the Agency has responsibility for the management and professional accountability of Guardians.
What does a Guardian do?
Guardians are qualified Social Workers, registered and regulated by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. They have substantial experience of working with families and children’s social work, and court related work. A Guardian gets to know children and young people to gain an understanding of their circumstances to ensure that the court is informed of their wishes and feelings and to safeguard their best interests. The Guardian undertakes relevant enquiries to inform their assessment which is independent of Health and Social Care Trusts. The Guardian provides a report for the court on the child or young person’s needs and best interests. The Court will make a decision based on all available information. The Guardian’s role concludes with the final court decision.