Wicklow Joins National Call For Family Court Reform As Communities March To Protect Children's Voices

Walk in Our Shoes is not a formal organisation, but rather a grassroots coming together of concerned citizens — families, children, advocates, and members of the public — united by a single message: the family court system must be trauma-informed, transparent, and trustworthy.

The concerns raised by the movement are well-documented in reports like the Child Law Project, which has highlighted systemic issues affecting children caught in family court proceedings.

Speaking to East Coast FM, campaign spokesperson Anna Kavanagh emphasized the urgency of reform:

"This walk is not about fathers and mothers. It's really about the children. Childhoods are being lost as a result of decisions that are being made in the family court. And these childhoods can never be regained."

Ms. Kavanagh also noted recent engagement with Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, who has signalled openness to bringing about reforms.

She is a member of the all-party group on family law reform in Leinster House and met with the Minister in September. However, she stressed that reform cannot come quickly enough for the children whose childhoods are already being affected.

Walkers are invited to wear black — a symbol of mourning for lost childhoods — and to carry a pair of children's shoes. At the conclusion of each county's walk, participants will place the shoes on the steps of their local courthouse in a powerful, silent gesture.

"Trauma can profoundly affect how children process and communicate what has happened to them, sometimes only becoming fully understood in adolescence or adulthood, which is why trauma-informed assessments and decision-making are so essential."

The event will be entirely dignified and reflective. There will be no speeches, banners, or placards — just people walking in solidarity, their message conveyed through presence and symbolism.

• Wicklow Walk Details

• Sunday, 27 September 2026

• Start Time:
• 11:00 AM
• Meet:
• Bray Seafront (Bandstand) — Eircode: A98 X5K8
• Finish:
• Bray Courthouse — Eircode: A98 C822
• What to Bring:
• A pair of children's shoes to carry
• What to Wear:
• Black
• Registration:
• None required — just show up

A National Movement

Wicklow is one of 26 counties participating simultaneously in this one-mile walk. The campaign extends beyond local boundaries: a national walk will take place on Wednesday, 30 September, departing from the Four Courts at noon, bound for Leinster House.

National Walk — Wednesday, 30 September

Meet: Four Courts forecourt at 11:30 AM
Depart: 12:00 noon for Leinster House

According to Ms.Kavanagh, the movement is calling on "Middle Ireland" — people who may never experience the family court system themselves — to stand in solidarity with those affected and with children whose voices need to be heard.

"This is a call out to Middle Ireland. And Middle Ireland, thankfully, the vast majority of people will never see the inside of a family court. But nobody knows the hour when it could happen. So we're calling on everybody to come out and support this national call for reform of the family court system."

A Message of Gratitude

The campaign has received strong support from TDs and senators who have long advocated on behalf of people affected by the family court system.

Equally important is the work of 26 coordinators across Ireland who have spent the entire summer organising these events.

Notably, the movement transcends gender: while often characterised as a "mother's" or "father's" issue, the campaign emphasises that many of its coordinators are men, and the spotlight remains solely on the children and how family court decisions are affecting them.

Will you be walking in Wicklow this Sunday?

Join at Bray Seafront at 11 AM. No registration needed. Just show up and walk in solidarity with children whose voices matter.