New Children’s Courts Rules Gazetted
Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Rules Board for Courts of Law has issued a replacement set of rules for the Children’s Courts to enhance access to justice and protect the rights of minors.
In terms of the Children’s Act, No. 38 of 2005, the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development published these rules under Government Notice 7179 in Government Gazette 54219 (Regulation Gazette 11949) on 27 February 2026. These rules replace a previous version gazetted on 20 February 2026 and are scheduled to come into force on 27 March 2026.
The rules were developed following a public comment period on draft versions released in December 2024. They are intended to promote the best interests of children and ensure that court procedures are tailored to their specific needs and rights. Key areas addressed include:
- Procedural requirements for applications and hearings in the Children’s Court.
- Measures to facilitate child-friendly court environments and participation.
- Administrative protocols for court officials, legal practitioners, and social workers.
Click here to download the replacement rules in Government Gazette 54219.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: Legal practitioners must review the specific procedural changes in Government Notice 7179 to ensure compliance during Children’s Court appearances from 27 March 2026.
- For your business: Law firms and legal departments handling family law matters must update their internal litigation templates and compliance manuals to align with the new commencement date.
- For your clients: Clients involved in care, contact, or protection proceedings will be subject to updated procedures designed to be more accessible and child-centric.
Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/children-s-courts-rules-gazetted