An interim care order was granted for a girl who had been in voluntary care for three months. Her mother felt unable to care for her, and the teenager had indicated to the social worker that she wished to remain with her foster carers. She was clear she did not want to go to her father or to see her father. She had been with the foster carers a short time but felt safe there.
The court was told that the father was consenting to the ICO on a without prejudice basis. He wanted to work with the Child and Family Agency (CFA) and wanted to repair the relationship with his child.The CFA solicitor said that the teenager was able to articulate her thoughts and had said that she did not want to return to her mother at the current time. The court was told that the parents wanted to work with the social workers and were willing to work with the social work team.
The court was told that the child had returned to school following an incident of self-harm two months prior to the court hearing. She had been psychologically assessed and was referred to CAHMS. Initially the court heard that the father had been unwilling to consent but was consenting now. Apart from the CAHMS assessment the court was informed that no other therapeutic supports were required.
The social worker said that they would ask the father to undergo an assessment before any reunification would be considered.
The court was told that a piece of work was taking place regarding the assessment of a former primary school teacher of the teenager as a potential foster carer.
The GAL was supporting the CFA’s application for an ICO. She said the girl had a good understanding of the court process. She was back at school and was doing well. The court heard that she was engaging well with the GAL and was well able to speak for herself.
Based on the evidence herd the judge granted the interim care order returnable for 28 days and made the usual directions regarding medical treatment.