Call to extend new guardian ad litem service to all areas of the law 

The new regulated guardian ad litem service is due to commence in June

'For children in particular who come before the courts, it can be hard for them to appreciate the seriousness of it all, to understand precisely what is going on.'

There is scope to extend a new guardian ad litem service to other areas of law, a barrister has said, as the country's first regulated body in the area is due to begin its work.

A guardian ad litem is a qualified and experienced professional appointed by the courts to represent a child involved in care proceedings. They meet with the child and provide a report to the court, offering recommendations on what they believe to be in the child’s best interests.