Finance Minister John O'Dowd sets out plans to introduce a Jade’s Law to protect children
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has launched a consultation on family law reform, including legislation to automatically restrict the parental responsibility of anyone convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a person with whom they share parental responsibility.
The consultation is also exploring whether similar restrictions should apply automatically in circumstances involving the most serious forms of criminal offending and harm.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Dowd said: “The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government.
“There have been a number of highly distressing domestic homicide cases in this jurisdiction in recent years, with several directly impacting children through devastating exposure to violence, trauma and bereavement.
“Decisions concerning parental responsibility and child arrangements are currently dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Family Court, often requiring bereaved family members and carers to navigate legal processes at a time of profound grief.
“I want to see legislative reform that places children’s welfare and victims’ rights at its heart, while easing the burden on families.”
The Minister concluded: “This is an opportunity to help build a family law framework that continues to place children first and supports families at times of profound difficulty, while ensuring that the burden of seeking protection does not fall unfairly on those already coping with loss and trauma.
I want to see legislative reform that places children’s welfare and victims’ rights at its heart, while easing the burden on families.
“I encourage families and all interested parties to engage with this consultation to help ensure future reforms make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.”
The consultation will run from 10 November 2026 to 8 February 2027. To respond, visit: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dof/family-law-reform
The consultation is also seeking views on whether legislation should be extended to include other high-harm offences, including: Attempted murder and other serious violence against the child’s other parent; Children conceived through rape; Other serious sexual offending against children; and Severe harm to a child.
For each additional area, the consultation explores possible legislative models including automatic restrictions, mandatory Family Court review, and discretionary approaches.
Speaking to The Derry News, Edwin Duggan the Human Rights advocate who launched the campaign for legislation in the North automatically suspending parental responsibility for parents who kill their co-parent, said: “The statement made by Minister John O’Dowd and the comments from across the chamber could not have been more positive.
“Prior to his speech, I had the opportunity to give my thanks to him and all those working on Parental Responsibility reform adding that I would be more than happy to offer my expertise during the consultation period, which was welcomed.
“Today is a positive move in the right direction for children and families.”