asked the Minister for Health his views on whether parents whose children are in care are not made aware of their rights, as parents; if he will document a guide to their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
156.
Written Answers. - Children in Care.
155.
asked the Minister for Health if there is any internal appeal procedure available to parents whose children are in care when differences arise between parents and social workers; if there are plans to establish such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Children admitted to care under existing legislation without the consent of their parents are generally taken into care under fit person orders obtained by health boards under the 1908 Children Act. Parents are entitled to be notified when application is being made for a fit person order in respect of their child. Parents may apply for a revocation of a fit person order any time after the making of such an order. Guardianship rights for the duration of a fit person order, continue to be vested in the child's married parents, or in his mother where his mother and father are not married to one another.
Where there is a difference of opinion between parents and a social worker the parents may also make an informal appeal through the health board structures or directly to my Department.
A handbook entitled "Your Child in Care?" was published last year by a voluntary organisation called Family Link, following consultation with my Department and with financial assistance from public funds. It is a very useful source of information for families, covering issues such as guardianship and visiting rights and is available free of charge to parents.
The proposed new Children Bill, which will be published shortly, will contain provisions in relation to issues such as access by parents to children in care.