Court Children’s Service

The Court Children’s Service has a legal responsibility to assist the Family Courts in making decisions about the care and contact arrangements for children when separating parents are unable to come to an agreement. This service only accepts referrals from the Courts and works to the direction of the presiding Judge in the matters in question.

The Courts Children’s Officers role is to represent the voice of the child/children in the court proceedings. They will advise the court on matters that impact upon the children and make recommendations as to what may be in the child’s best interests.

The Court Children’s Officer, in engaging with the relevant parties in conflict resolution work, will attempt to reach a parenting agreement that has the best interests of the children at the centre. Where appropriate arrangements are agreed this will be presented to the Court for its consideration.

With the exception of public holidays the Court Children’s Service operates from 9am – 5pm Mondays to Fridays.

Due to the planned nature of court business, the Court Children’s Service does not operate a duty system. In the event that no one is available to take a call there is a facility to leave a message which will be retrieved and responded to.