Why we need a referendum for James

John and Mary decided to foster as they felt they wanted to give something back, as they had been “blessed” with two beautiful children.  They were found to be a suitable placement for James – then aged 6 months.

James was in short-term care at the time and his mother, Betty, suffered with a mental illness and spent a lot of time in psychiatric hospital.  Her husband deserted her when he discovered she was pregnant.  After giving birth,  James’ mother returned to the psychiatric hospital, but visited James weekly in his short-term foster care placement.  On discharge, she got care of her son.  However, it soon became clear that his mother would not be able to care for him on her own and she requested foster care for him. 

James was placed with John and Mary, and his birth mother, Betty, was a regular visitor.  Seven years later, Mary, the foster mother, gave birth to baby Anne.  James became a little resentful of his new sister but, in time, he adjusted to the new family situation.  At the same time, his mum had a further breakdown and was readmitted to hospital.  His foster parents wanted James to have the same status as their other children, but as his birth parents were still married, this was constitutionally impossible.  

James remains with John and Mary, his foster family, who want to adopt him and take him out of care.  Betty, his birth mother, would consent to his adoption, as long as she remains a figure in his life.