The District Court granted a full care order for a teenager originally from a war-torn country, who remained in Ireland after being separated from his family.
The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency (CFA) said the young man had arrived in Ireland with his family and had been granted refugee status earlier in the year. His family had subsequently travelled to a country in West Asia as his mother required medical treatment. However, while there, she lost her travel documents and was deported back to her home country. The teenager remained in Ireland, where he continued to live in a long-term foster placement in a rural part of the country.
The solicitor said the family had begun the process of returning to Ireland, but it is was a “long and protracted” process. The teenager was “very keen” for his family to come back. He had an older brother living in the West of Ireland, but they had limited contact as the brother worked long hours.
The guardian ad litem (GAL) was supporting the application for the full care order, as was the teenager’s mother. Although not present, the court was told she had indicated her agreement given her current situation.
The allocated social worker said the teenager was getting on well in his rural placement. He had started swimming lessons and regularly attended the gym. “He really wants his family to come back,” he said. The witness confirmed that the boy’s brother could not care for him due to his work commitments, but that contact between them would continue to be encouraged.
In relation to the possibility of returning the young man to his home country, the social worker said this had been considered but ruled out due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. He added that the CFA would refer him to aftercare services once he reached the age of majority.
The GAL solicitor asked about the teenager’s education, noting that he was not in formal schooling. The social worker confirmed he was attending English classes twice a week, but said his level of English remained too limited for mainstream education.
The witness was asked who would trigger a review of the young man’s care plan, and he replied that the local social work department would monitor this. He confirmed that concerns raised about his placement had been passed to the national placement team for review.
The GAL told the court that the teenager had expressed unhappiness with his current rural placement and hoped to live in Dublin. “He wishes to remain in Ireland and ultimately hopes to live with his brother,” she said. He remained in contact with his family abroad and access with his brother was being supported by the CFA.
The GAL said he had not been in formal education since arriving in Ireland, but he continued with English lessons which was important. He had declined therapeutic supports but appeared to be managing his emotions well, despite ongoing worries about his family.
The judge said he was satisfied to grant the full care order until the teenager turned 18. He noted that the order was not contested and that the family had been unable to return to Ireland following deportation from the other Asian country. “The background of the family is sad and unfortunate,” he said, noting that the boy maintained contact with his family who hoped to return.
He was satisfied that the statutory threshold had been met and that the order was necessary and proportionate. He took into account the young man’s own wishes to remain in Ireland and his engagement in English lessons and social activities.
However, the judge noted the boy’s dissatisfaction with his current placement as a concern. “If there is any placement breakdown, the matter should be re-entered,” he directed, adding that the CFA was aware of the boy’s views and should continue efforts to identify a suitable placement closer to Dublin if possible.