Judge cautions against 'paternalistic' treatment of families of wards of court

Ms Justice Mary Irvine said that lawyers, and doctors, can sometimes engage in 'paternalistic behaviour' in relation to thinking they know what is best for a child. File picture. 

The president of the High Court has expressed concern that families of some wards of court feel they are being “sidelined” by some “paternalistic” doctors and lawyers.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine, who runs the court’s wardship list, said she will consider whether the court can put some form of protocol in place to ensure families are involved and kept fully informed.