Court Hears of Foster Care Mishaps with Newborn

A social worker assigned to a separated newborn and its mother revealed significant shortcomings in the state's handling of the case, according to court proceedings in December 2025.

The case involved a breastfed infant who was placed with two male foster carers lacking experience with newborns. The situation was brought before the High Court, where the social worker's admissions were made.

Concerns were raised by the mother’s barrister regarding the baby’s development. The barrister stated that they were "very concerned" the baby was not meeting weight targets and was experiencing vomiting after being fed formula. The infant had reportedly been prescribed Gaviscon since entering the care of Tusla.

This revelation underscores the challenges and potential failures within child welfare systems when placing vulnerable infants into foster care. The specific details of the court admission and its implications for the child's welfare were central to the proceedings. The case highlights the critical need for experienced and adequately trained foster parents, particularly when caring for newborns with specific feeding needs.