Windsor council faulted for placing children with a non-English speaking foster carer, impacting their development.
The main caregiver also couldn’t speak English. A psychologist studied the three kids and noted their speech was delayed. They also struggled to understand others. The psychologist wanted “reparative parenting,” which helps kids recover from trauma.
This parenting should last at least six months. Then, two kids needed autism tests. But the foster mom did not speak English to them, and the psychologist was worried about this arrangement. Judge Nott said the psychologist was “concerned.”
The judge asked if the foster mom spoke English. She was told that the foster mom did, but this was false, the judge said. The judge doubted if the kids got enough help. Judge Nott said the kids made language gains anyway, even without English at home. She wondered how fast they could improve in English.
The judge also had more worries. The foster mom seemed unable to provide consistent care. She missed a bite mark on a child’s arm. She forgot a child’s name.
The judge said the situation was hard. The council broke the 1989 Children Act. That act says disabled kids must have suitable housing.
Two children should go to compliant foster care until permanent homes are found. The court then ordered the third child be adopted. A council person said both current foster carers speak English. The council will find a permanent foster home now and will act based on the judge’s orders.