Two children to remain in State care after court rules on six-month review of neglect case

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Two children taken into State care, after evidence of significant neglect was presented to the court, are to remain in their current settings until at least next year, after a six-month review of their care orders.

The Child and Family Agency (Tusla) was previously granted full care orders for both children, allowing the agency to assume parental responsibility and make decisions regarding their care, including medical decisions, without requiring parental consent.

In March 2026, Judge Fiona Brennan noted that the legal threshold had been met and that the order could be made with the consent of the mother.

She also commended the mother for attending court. She added that it had shown bravery to attend knowing that the order would be made.

During previous proceedings, the court heard evidence of significant neglect which had led to complex behavioural issues for both children.

This included an incident where a social worker called to the house and found the mother intoxicated after leaving the youngest child with an unknown male.

In another incident, the mother brought the youngest child on holiday but the child was placed in the care of the hotel after the mother was found unconscious in a hallway following excessive drinking.

This month, representatives for Tusla appeared before an in-camera family law sitting of Bray District Court for a six-month review.

A social worker for both children testified that the older child is in “good overall health”, but has an ongoing issue due to difficulties experienced since entering care.

They said that the child had previously missed an excessive amount of school, but has since started secondary school.

It was noted that the mother had remained in contact with both children, but took a “step back” in July due to mental health issues.

However, she has begun engaging again with the CFA since August following a period of sobriety. The court was told she is seeking to enter a rehabilitation facility.

The social worker told Judge David Kennedy that the youngest child has a positive relationship with their older sibling, which is being promoted by their foster family.

The court heard the child has is currently on a reduced timetable at school.

The court was told by the mother’s solicitor that the older child at first did not want to see the mother, but has since indicated to staff at the facility that they would like to see her.

The solicitor raised concerns that the younger child is now calling their foster mother “mam”, which has left her client worried that “she no longer has an attachment to her child”.

Judge Kennedy ordered that both children remain in the care of the State, with the case to be reviewed again next year.