Judge criticises Tusla 'system failure' that lead to 'last-minute' adoption application

This rush could have been avoided if “necessary and timely action” was taken years ago to advise and counsel the individuals involved, the judge said.

The CFA must make an effort to create a “new regime” for foster care situations where it is apparent for some time that adoption is being considered or likely to be considered, the judge said.

A High Court judge has criticised the “system failure” that led to an eleventh-hour adoption application and caused stress and upset to a teenager’s birth mother.

In a recently published judgement, Mr Justice John Jordan said it was with a “considerable degree of reluctance” that he granted approval for the “last-minute” adoption of a 17-year-old boy by his foster parents who have cared for him for almost all of his life.