A JUDGE EXTENDED an interim care order for two young girls who had begun to question why their mother, who is struggling with drug addiction, was showing up to access visits “sleepy and dozy”.
The mother failed to appear in court and the girls’ social worker noted that she was aware of the date. She told the court that she had not been able to get in touch with the mother that day, adding that it is “fifty-fifty” if the mother shows up for court dates relating to the state care of her children.
The court was told that a Christmas access visit had not yet been arranged — but it was envisaged it would take place. The mother had not been in contact with her daughters since their last visit.
Happy in foster care
The girls’ court-appointed guardian said that they were very happy in their foster home, which was described as “very warm and loving”.
However, she raised concerns that the girls had started to speak about their mother’s addictions and recently referred to her as “a junkie”.
The social worker said there had been times where the mother had turned up to access visits under the influence of drugs. The mother claimed, however, she was taking prescribed medication.
The social worker said that a care worker would begin helping the children in January. During their sessions they plan to deal with the issues as to why they are in care and explain drug use problems to them.
The mother’s treatment would be monitored, the court was told.
Curious about drug use
The judge was told that one of the girls was “displaying a lot more anger” and had been asking about drug use a lot “in relation to their mother’s appearance”.
Their guardian said that the girls were “very resilient” and still want to stay in touch with their mother who they have regular phone calls with. However, the court was told that she had not answered on the last few occasions.
“They do like to ring her and check in on her,” said the guardian, adding that when she doesn’t answer “like she is supposed to” the children can feel “let down”.
The judge extended the care order until January and said she hoped that contact could be made with the mother to arrange a Christmas access visit.
“It is in the best interest of the girls,” said the judge.
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