An extension was granted for an interim care order in a case involving a separated child seeking international protection, however the judge expressed concern about ongoing issues relating to obtaining a PPS number.
The application related to a 12-year-old from an African country whose parents were not in the jurisdiction and who had been placed in foster placement under the Child and Family Agency team for separated children seeking international protection.
The court was provided with an update in relation to the child’s progress in care. The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency stated that the child still did not have a PPS number. The judge expressed his shock and concern at this fact, and stated that this issue had been ongoing for months at this stage and asked why it had not yet been resolved.
The solicitor for the agency said that the system had changed, and that previously social workers had a special liaison person in the department but this was no longer the case. She further stated that this change in system had meant that applications for PPS numbers had become very slow and that the social workers could not get any information on when a number would be granted.
Updates were also provided about attempts by the social work team to engage with the child’s parents overseas. The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency stated that a video call with the mother had taken place, but that there had been no contact with the child’s father.
The solicitor for the guardian ad litem said that the guardian was concerned as at any mention of the father the child became withdrawn and closed off, and there was an issue here that would require further exploration. The judge extended the order for 28 days and requested further progress in relation to the PPS number by the next date.