Advocacy for Children in Family Courts
At Supervised Access Ireland (SAI), we recognise that children are often the quietest participants in family law proceedings, despite being the most affected.
When family disputes arise, a child’s lived experience can become lost amid adult conflict, legal strategy, and procedural delay.
Our child advocacy service exists to ensure that children are heard, respected, and safeguarded, while remaining firmly within a non-directive, impartial, and child-centred framework.
A Child-Centred Advocacy Model
First and foremost, our work is grounded in the principle that children have a right to express their views in matters affecting them, in a manner appropriate to their age and understanding.
Accordingly, SAI provides a structured advocacy service that places the child’s emotional safety, welfare, and voice at the centre of all engagement, without influencing outcomes or taking sides.
Importantly, our role is advocacy, not therapy, diagnosis, or judicial recommendation.
Early Intervention Before Court Proceedings
Where appropriate, SAI supports early engagement before disputes escalate into adversarial court processes.
This early-stage intervention can reduce conflict, clarify misunderstandings, and support more informed decision-making.
As a result, children are given an opportunity to speak before positions become entrenched, rather than after harm has already occurred.
How Our Child Advocacy Service Works
Listening to the Child
To begin with, children are supported to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, neutral, and age-appropriate environment.
Our practitioners use recognised child-friendly communication approaches that minimise pressure and avoid suggestion or coaching.
Crucially, participation is always voluntary and handled with sensitivity.
Supporting Informed Court Processes
Where advocacy input is requested, SAI prepares clear, factual, and impartial reports that reflect the child’s expressed views and observed needs.
These reports are carefully framed to assist legal professionals while avoiding opinion, diagnosis, or determination.
In doing so, we help courts and solicitors better understand the child’s perspective within the broader legal context.
Structured Pre-Court Engagement
In suitable cases, we may recommend structured pre-court preparation plans involving both parents.
These plans are designed to:
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Reduce escalation and hostility
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Encourage child-focused reflection
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Support safer, more constructive engagement
This approach often assists families in resolving issues earlier, thereby reducing the emotional burden placed on children.
Supporting Children Through Complex Family Dynamics
Family conflict can leave children feeling confused, anxious, or emotionally divided.
Therefore, our advocacy work prioritises emotional containment, reassurance, and clarity, helping children navigate difficult circumstances without becoming responsible for adult decisions.
Professional Standards and Independence
SAI operates within a clear safeguarding and governance framework, aligned with Irish child protection principles and best practice in family law contexts.
Our advocates:
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Remain independent and impartial
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Do not provide custody opinions or recommendations
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Do not assess parental capacity
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Do not replace statutory services
Instead, we function as a professional bridge, ensuring that the child’s voice is ethically and accurately conveyed.
Why Legal Professionals Choose SAI
Legal professionals engage SAI because our work is:
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Procedurally sound
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Child-focused and non-adversarial
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Carefully documented
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Suitable for court and pre-court contexts
Moreover, our experience across supervised access, safeguarding, and family law allows us to work collaboratively and responsibly with solicitors, social workers, and the courts.
Enquiries and Referrals
If you are a solicitor, family law professional, or parent
All enquiries are handled confidentially and in line with GDPR and safeguarding obligations.
