Updated at 22:57pm

A MOTHER HAS told the High Court that a reduction to her access to her five-year-old son is “prison-like”.

The woman’s child was taken from her and placed into the care of the Child and Family Agency (CFA) four years ago and she is currently challenging the decision to reduce her access facilities.

Under the terms of care orders, made by the District Court, the mother was granted access of 1.5 hours per week to her son at a designated centre and under observation by staff or social workers.

The woman claims the CFA and the child’s court appointed Guardian Ad Litem obtained further orders from the District Court in May of this year reducing her access to only an hour every two weeks.

The restriction was sought on the basis that there was tension between the mother and social workers, which was “bad for the boy”.

The woman told the court that her son enjoyed her visits, and the reduced access was wholly unsuitable. She claimed her relationship with the CFA was historically bad and alleges her son should not have been taken into care.  She had not seen her son for weeks.

Fear of bond being damaged

In a sworn statement, the woman, who along with her child cannot be identified by order of the court, said she fears the bond with her son is being damaged.

Fergal Kavanagh SC, who appeared with barrister Bernice McKeever for the mother, sought various orders and declarations from the court. He said she wants the District Court orders restricting her access quashed and her visits restored to what had originally been in place.

Kavanagh told the court the mother had not seen her son since late July when she was informed by the CFA that he did not want to go to their meetings.

He said she feared that she and her son, who has autism, would be “lost to each other through no fault of their own, but due to the inaction of the State”.

Justice Aileen Donnelly directed that the mother’s application be heard on notice to the other parties and adjourned the action to a date in October.

First published at 8:15pm. Comments are closed on this article for legal reasons. 

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