Courts / Ireland / Report

Adoption of teenage girl can proceed despite parents objections

Summary

In a High Court decision, Tusla and a foster carer secured an adoption order for a 17‑year‑old girl in foster care, overriding her birth parents' objections. The parents denied abandoning the child, noting ongoing supervised contact and regular visits, though the father said his access had been reduced when the girl entered secondary school. The judge, Ms Nuala Jackson, clarified that 'abandonment' in law refers to relinquishing parental rights, not merely physical absence. She cited a precedent where a mother's willingness to let another couple raise her child constituted abandonment of custody. The mother questioned the necessity of adoption as the girl was approaching majority and capable of managing her affairs. The judge emphasized that the adoption order would create a new family relationship supported by the state, and that the girl's expressed fear of the adoption not occurring was a key factor in favouring the order.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Adoption of teenage girl can proceed despite parents objections. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2024-11-30 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report