Ireland Supreme Court to hear adoption appeal in Dublin
Ms B, an 18-year-old woman with a moderate learning disability and developmental delay associated with foetal alcohol syndrome, expressed a desire to be adopted by the foster mother who has continuously cared for her since she was a few months old. The High Court refused the adoption in June 2022, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision by a 2:1 majority in August 2022, finding no reasonable prospect that either biological parent could care for her. The birth mother, who signed a voluntary care order shortly after Ms B's birth, is now appealing to the Supreme Court. A seven-judge panel is due to hear the case on April 18, 2023, considering it raises matters of profound public importance regarding State intervention in family life.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court29 Mar
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Ms B, an 18-year-old woman, has a moderate learning disability and developmental delay associated with foetal alcohol syndrome.
- Ms B expressed a desire to be adopted by her foster mother, who has continuously cared for her since she was a few months old.
- The birth mother said she drank a lot of alcohol to deal with abuse, and social workers told her shortly after Ms B was born that she was not in a position to care for her.
- The birth mother signed a voluntary care order.
- In court
- The High Court refused the adoption in June 2022.
- The Court of Appeal overturned the refusal by a 2:1 majority in August 2022, holding there is no reasonable prospect that either biological parent will be able to care for Ms B.
- The CFA, supported by the foster mother and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, appealed the adoption refusal.
- A seven-judge Supreme Court panel is due to hear the birth mother's appeal on April 18, 2023.
- Other details
- The Supreme Court considers the appeal raises matters of profound public importance regarding State intervention in family life.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe girl has since turned 18. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMs B expressed a desire to be adopted by her foster mother. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMs B had developmental delay associated with foetal alcohol syndrome and a moderate learning disability. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe birth mother said she drank a lot of alcohol to deal with the abuse. (irishtimes.com)
- whatSocial workers told the birth mother shortly after Ms B was born that she was not in a position to care for her. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe birth mother signed a voluntary care order. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe Court of Appeal cleared the way last August for the girl to be adopted by her foster mother. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe CFA, supported by the foster mother and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, appealed the adoption refusal. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe COA held by a 2:1 majority that there is no reasonable prospect that either biological parent will be able to care for Ms B. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe Supreme Court appeal is due to be heard on April 18th. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 29 Mar2023Supreme Court to hear birth mother’s appeal against adoption of daughter
Article previews the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on 18 April 2023, detailing the history of the adoption case including the June 2022 High Court decision by Mr Justice Max Barrett and the Court of Appeal's 2:1 majority ruling from August 2022.