Judge failed to consider implications of adoption

AS a social worker with many years of experience in post-adoption support, I was very saddened to read of the case in Ireland where a judge refused to allow a child to return to live with her parents and instead supported her foster parents to adopt her (Irish Examiner, September 16).

How short-sighted of this judge not to consider the long-term impact on the little girl of growing up apart from not only her parents but also her grandparents and extended families.

As the parents are married there is also the possibility they will have subsequent children, who will also suffer from the loss of their sibling.

Judges have a responsibility to educate themselves around important social issues such as adoption.

If judges had a true understanding of the long-term loss and grief issues associated with adoption, they would be able to make wiser decisions which would truly be in the best interests of children. In this regard, the ‘articles’ section at www.clovapublications.com is useful.

Evelyn Robinson

PO Box 328

Christies Beach

South Australia 5165