(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations, which are made under section 21(5) of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015, make provision for the first time for—
(a)the training and qualifications required for a person to be eligible for appointment as an independent guardian; and
(b)the support to be provided for, and the supervision of, an independent guardian.
The Regulations also amend the Children’s Homes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, to insert a reference to independent guardian in the list of persons who the registered person shall ensure that facilities are provided within the children’s home for any child accommodated there to meet privately at any reasonable time with.