Dublin People - Child custody case causing heartache

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Child custody case causing heartache

Thursday, 13 March 2008

A NORTHSIDER has spoken out about her heartbreaking battle for custody of her young nephew who was effectively left an orphan when his mother died.
Talking exclusively to Northside People, the Finglas local believes the child should be in the care of his relations rather than a foster family outside of Dublin where he is currently placed.
Ann (not her real name) claims the Health Service Executive (HSE) has failed her and other families in similar situations.
“My sister died suddenly at the age of 32,” Ann explained.
“She used to visit me regularly with her little boy up until a year before she died. Then the visits became less frequent and he was no longer with her.
“She always told me a friend was babysitting him. I never could have guessed that he had been handed over to foster care.”
She added: “If my sister had told me she was struggling I would definitely have offered to look after him. I was her family, I am his family.”
Ann visited her nephew on several occasions after learning he was in foster care.
“Initially I was allowed to visit him every two weeks but now I’m only allowed to see him every five weeks,” she told Northside People.
“I love him dearly and I can offer him a safe and secure home yet I still have to make an appointment to see him.
“I’m not under any illusions that the process of custody is very slow but I’m not sure what efforts the HSE have made to have the child placed in the care of a relative.”
The Finglas local claims she has met with the HSE on a number of occasions over the past 18 months.
“The HSE told me to employ a solicitor to act my behalf,” she explained.
“But my solicitor charged me e4,500 for sending out about two letters in relation to my case. He also told me that it would cost e10,000 to e12,000 every time the case came to court.
“I’m not entitled to legal aid as I work but I still wouldn’t be able to afford that kind of money. I don’t know what else I can do.”
A spokesperson for the HSE said they couldn’t comment on the case but it clarified its position in relation to the general issues raised.
“In general terms the HSE will seek to place children with relatives,” she told Northside People.
“This is addressed on a case by case basis and linked to the availability of suitable and willing relatives.
“Where a child has over a lengthy period of time formed a loving and secure relationship with a foster carer, then cautious steps have to be taken in terms of assessing the viability of being placed with relatives.”
She added: “Relatives can make an application to the court to be considered in this context and the HSE will assist in responding to any direction the court might make to assess their suitability.
“All children in care are subject to ongoing review of their care plan and relative contact is also reviewed in this context.”

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