TheJournal.ie spent a day in the family courts this week to report on the nature of the cases that come before it. Previously, all hearings were in camera (private) and the media could not attend. That rule was changed so a light could be shone on proceedings, and society could be made aware of the issues that the court deals with in relation to family breakdowns, children in care, and domestic violence.
AN INTERIM CARE order is to be extended for a child whose foster parent unexpectedly died, a court ruled this week.
Lawyers for the Child and Family Agency said it was an “unfortunate” case in which the young child would have to be placed in an alternative home due to the unexpected death.
The child was placed in a temporary home after the incident, but the agency said it was not a long-term solution.
While the court was told the foster carers are not looking for the child to leave any time soon, the CFA said it would be better if the child only stayed there short-term.
Forming attachments
“The plan is to move [the child] sooner rather than later so [the child] doesn’t form any attachments in the interim placement,” said the solicitor.
The court was told there were long term carers earmarked by the agency but they are awaiting approval by the foster care committee.
The judge asked if the change in circumstances would mean a change of schools also.
The court was informed that this would be the case. The guardian at litem, who is present in court on behalf of the child, said the “very sudden breakdown in the placement” and the sudden change of having to change schools has had an impact on the child.
Neither the mother or father were present in court at the time of the hearing. No instructions in relation to the child were given by the parents.
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