Guardianship Ireland is an important legal concept that impacts families and individuals alike. It establishes the legal relationship between a guardian and a person who needs protection due to age, disability, or other issues. If you are considering guardianship in Ireland, it’s important to understand how long guardianship is likely to last. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the guardianship laws in Ireland and discuss how long guardianship is typically expected to last.
What Is Guardianship?
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where an adult takes responsibility for another person, usually a minor or someone with special needs. In Ireland, guardianship is often referred to as ‘wardship’ and is governed by the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964. Guardians are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the ward in regards to their education, health, property, and other aspects of their life. In some cases, guardianship may be given to a third party such as Dublin Host Families. Dublin Host Families provide guardianship services to families from abroad who need an adult to look after their children while they are in Ireland. This includes providing a safe, secure home environment as well as guidance and support with school and extra-curricular activities.
Who Can Be A Guardian?
In Ireland, guardianship is a legal arrangement that appoints an adult (known as a guardian) to take responsibility for the care and well-being of a minor who is not in the custody of their parents or legally emancipated. In most cases, guardians are appointed by the courts or named in a will. In the case of foreign minors, guardians are often appointed by embassies or consulates.
In some cases, Dublin Host Families can also serve as guardians. As a volunteer organisation, Dublin Host Families provide short-term accommodation for unaccompanied foreign minors who are travelling to Ireland. Dublin Host Families volunteers provide mentorship, guidance, and care for these children while they are in Ireland. However, it is important to note that Dublin Host Families volunteers do not have the same legal authority as a court-appointed guardian.
What Are The Responsibilities Of A Guardian?
Being a guardian of a minor in Ireland is a big responsibility. The primary responsibilities of a guardian include providing financial support, overseeing the education and healthcare of the minor, and providing guidance and general care. It is important to be aware that a guardian cannot make decisions for the minor; rather, they are responsible for safeguarding the minor’s welfare.
If you are considering becoming a guardian for a minor in Ireland, there are several options available. You may be appointed by the court, or you may choose to become a guardian through an agency like Dublin Host Families. When choosing to become a guardian through an agency, you will need to meet certain criteria such as having relevant experience in caring for children, being able to provide a safe and secure home environment, and being able to provide financial support for the minor. Once you have been approved as a guardian, you will be expected to take on all of the responsibilities listed above.
How Long Does Guardianship Last?
In Ireland, guardianship can last up to a maximum of 21 years. This is the age of majority in the country, meaning that all persons aged over 21 are considered to be legally capable of making decisions and managing their own affairs.
When considering guardianship, it is important to note that the legal guardian will have parental responsibility for the child until they reach the age of 18, regardless of whether they have passed away or not. For example, if a parent passes away while the child is still under the age of 18, then another person (usually a relative) will be appointed as the guardian and will assume responsibility for the child’s care until they turn 18.
If the child is between the ages of 16 and 18 then the court may grant guardianship to a suitable guardian for an extended period, as long as this is in the best interests of the child.
For many families, guardianship arrangements can be organized through Dublin Host Families. Dublin Host Families offers long-term guardianships to families who have children living abroad or those who are temporarily in Ireland. They provide legal guardianship to these families and act as the primary caregiver of the children until they are of legal age. This arrangement allows parents to have peace of mind that their children are being cared for in their absence, and also gives them the option to extend the guardianship if necessary.
