NCJ Number
157271
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 34 Dated: (September 1995) Pages: 6-11
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the Children Order and its impact on children in Northern Ireland notes that the Order has been described as the most far-reaching reform of the law affecting children in this century.
Abstract
The law will be implemented in Northern Ireland over the next 12-18 months. The Order contains almost all the statute law on the care and upbringing of children and the social services provided for them. When implemented, it will have a major effect on the law applied by courts in any cases involving children. Its crucial principles are that the child's welfare must be the main consideration, children should be raised in their own families wherever possible, children should be safe, children should be kept informed and should take part in decisions about their future, and parents are responsible even when their children no longer live with them. Care and supervision orders will be the main orders used. New courts orders for child protection include the emergency protection order, child assessment order, residence order, contact order, prohibited steps, specific issue order, and family assistance order. A guardian ad litem service will also be developed.