This story is presented as an example of how knowledge of carer and childrens’ rights and the right advice at the right time can have a huge impact on the lives of carers and also on a child’s life path.
Carol’s* nephew was already in her care, and now she was fighting for custody of her niece, due to her sister’s drug addiction. Baby Angela* had been removed and placed into her care for just a few days, but was then returned to her mother.
The next time Angela was removed, the Department called Carol* to tell her they were bringing Angela into her care. Carol was dealing with a recent bereavement and asked the caseworker to find Angela a temporary placement for a few weeks until she could recover and ready herself to take care of a baby.
Heather from A Better Life For Foster Kids got involved when Carol called for help: while she was taking those few weeks to get her life in order so she could first grieve and then care for
her niece, the Department had made a decision. They were going to place Angela into permanent care with another carer because, they alleged, Carol had let her father visit. This was not possible as the father was in jail at the time.
Heather went with Carol to advocate with her at a meeting with the Department, and after checking Carol’s records against the Department’s, it was found that the decision was
based on erroneous administrative data. Heather spoke to the mother’s solicitor, who advocated in court for Carol to have care of Angela. The siblings are now re-united and living with their aunt.
*identifying features have been changed for privacy
Foster Kids and Carers United 