We call on the government to reform The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and related legislation to better protect children and custodial parents. Currently, biological parents retain full parental rights even after 8–10 years of complete absence—no contact, no support, no involvement.

This creates unnecessary legal barriers for the parent who is present and loving. We propose that after 8 years of no contact or maintenance, parental rights be reviewed and, if appropriate, suspended or removed.

Parenting is a commitment, not just a name on a birth certificate. It’s time the law recognized that.

Sign if you believe parental responsibility must come with actual responsibility.