01/01/2008
Social Workers Snatch Baby From Hospital
A two-hour old newborn was illegally snatched at 4am yesterday morning by social workers claiming the 18-year-old mother was unfit to care for the child because of mental health problems.
But hours later a High Court judge ordered the immediate return of the baby, saying the social workers had acted beyond their powers.
Mr Justice Munby said: "On the face of it, what was done was without lawful authority. The professionals involved in this case should know better.
"You cannot remove children, short of immediate murderous intent, except by lawful means, which means either by a police officer or court.
Ian Wise, appearing for the mother, told the court the child was removed after staff at the hospital were shown a "birth plan" prepared by local authority social services.
The plan said the mother, who had a troubled childhood and suffers from mental health problems, was to be separated from the child, and no contact was allowed without supervision by social workers.
The case follows controversial complaints from parents that social workers are breaking up families and putting children up for adoption without good reason, all in the effort to meet bureaucratic targets.
Campaigners welcomed the High Court ruling and praised the mother's lawyers for the actions taken to reunite the baby with its mother.
The mother now faces a legal battle to remain with her child.
But hours later a High Court judge ordered the immediate return of the baby, saying the social workers had acted beyond their powers.
Mr Justice Munby said: "On the face of it, what was done was without lawful authority. The professionals involved in this case should know better.
"You cannot remove children, short of immediate murderous intent, except by lawful means, which means either by a police officer or court.
Ian Wise, appearing for the mother, told the court the child was removed after staff at the hospital were shown a "birth plan" prepared by local authority social services.
The plan said the mother, who had a troubled childhood and suffers from mental health problems, was to be separated from the child, and no contact was allowed without supervision by social workers.
The case follows controversial complaints from parents that social workers are breaking up families and putting children up for adoption without good reason, all in the effort to meet bureaucratic targets.
Campaigners welcomed the High Court ruling and praised the mother's lawyers for the actions taken to reunite the baby with its mother.
The mother now faces a legal battle to remain with her child.
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The Department of Health has condemned an attack on a social workers in Dungannon and paid tribute to the work done by all social workers across NI. The woman suffered serious injuries when she was attacked in the course of her duties last week. The incident, in Dungannon, is now the subject of court proceedings.
12 February 2004
University marks International Mother Language Day
The University of Ulster is set to mark UNESCO International Mother Language Day this Saturday with a celebration of cultural diversity at Magee. Along with various community groups from the area, the University has organised a series of events between 3pm-6pm.
University marks International Mother Language Day
The University of Ulster is set to mark UNESCO International Mother Language Day this Saturday with a celebration of cultural diversity at Magee. Along with various community groups from the area, the University has organised a series of events between 3pm-6pm.
21 October 2003
Social worker title safeguarded
Plans to safeguard the title of social worker will help to raise the status of the profession and protect the public from bogus claims.
Social worker title safeguarded
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19 March 2003
Social care publications launched by health minister
Social care in Northern Ireland, past, present and future, came under the spotlight today when Des Browne, MP, the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, launched two new publications by the Department’s Social Services Inspectorate.
Social care publications launched by health minister
Social care in Northern Ireland, past, present and future, came under the spotlight today when Des Browne, MP, the Minister responsible for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, launched two new publications by the Department’s Social Services Inspectorate.
27 October 2025
Communities Minister Outlines Plans To Boost Social Housing Delivery
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a series of changes aimed at increasing the delivery of new social homes across Northern Ireland, including an update to the grant amount housing associations will receive for new construction starts.
Communities Minister Outlines Plans To Boost Social Housing Delivery
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.