Amendments to the Family Proceedings Rules 1991

22.  In rule 4.13—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “welfare officer” insert “in accordance with section 7(1)(b)”; and

(b) after paragraph (3) insert—

“(3A) The welfare officer shall consider whether it is in the best interests of the child for the child to be made a party to the proceedings.

(3B) If the welfare officer considers the child should be made a party to the proceedings he shall notify the court of his opinion together with the reasons for that opinion.”.