Ms Freda McKittrick:

We mentioned in our submission that we really support the increased use of children being made a party, but only with safeguards. The court is not a child-friendly environment. Even with the family justice reform that is coming, it will never be a child-friendly environment. It is not that kind of process. Child-friendly information in child-friendly material must be available so that children are aware of the options for them for their rights. Fortunately, the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 allows for a child to have a guardian ad litem and to be a party as well. We will be encouraging the use of that process and that the child is not left alone to try to run a legal case other than in very exceptional circumstances.