Better legal protections and representation for minors were at the heart of talks organised last week by the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.

The ministry met with the judiciary and others to hone best practices for litigation involving children.

Tinée Furbert, the minister, said she was “heartened” by the island’s strides in giving young people a strong and independent voice.

Litigation guardians looked at how to handle complex casework management, as well as improving child safeguarding rules.

These standards will be added to the legal system through annual programme reviews.

Magistrates read through international best practices for child protection proceedings, and heard how developmental problems can affect both a child and court proceedings.

Community groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Children and Masc, learnt about the guardians’ role — and how to work more closely with them.

The talks were assisted by Anthony Douglas CBE, a consultant with the British Foreign Office.

A spokeswoman said that the ministry had finalised four priorities to expand the litigation guardian framework throughout the next year.

A practice guidance document for guardians is hoped to be launched in September, and plans are in train to reshape the role of practice managers with more training for the representatives of minors in legal cases.

The ministry plans for an annual report on guardian services, with performance improvement measures.

Service developments include a meeting room for client interviews, and a policy and procedural guide for appointing counsel to children if necessary.

The ministry has also issued a pamphlet on the role and standards of litigation guardians.