A High Court judge yesterday praised a teenager for his success in tackling his heroin addiction. The boy has lost a brother and sister to the drug.
Mr Justice Murphy made the remark when granting an application by Mr Mark de Blacam SC, for the 17-year-old, who is in the care of the South Western Area Health Board, to adjourn the case for a week to allow his side consider an offer of a new placement for the boy.
The boy has a history of heroin addiction and has also expressed suicidal thoughts. His parents, as a result of significant alcohol addiction and other problems, are unable to function as parents. His case has been before the High Court on 13 occasions since November 2002 and his lawyers had asked last month to be permitted a full hearing of his action against the board if a suitable placement which would address his needs was not found.
When the case was last before the court two weeks ago, the judge heard that, because of the then imminent closure of a health board care unit, the boy was to be moved to a night-time hostel used by addicts, despite his fears he would be offered heroin there. The court was told no other place was available.
The judge heard the boy had been making progress at the care unit, had accepted he had a drug problem, and had begun taking steps to tackle it.
His court-appointed guardian had opposed his being moved to the hostel because it was unsuitable. The boy also opposed the move, fearing he would return to using heroin. He has remained at the care unit but its closure will proceed on April 5th.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Murphy was told another placement has been identified for the boy which it was believed was suitable for his needs. Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, for the board, said this was the only place available once the boy leaves his present unit. He said the fact the boy was drug- free was central to this placement being procured, as it only catered for persons who were drug-free.
Mr de Blacam asked for a week to let his side assess the proposed placement.
Adjourning the matter for a week, Mr Justice Murphy said it was to the boy's credit he was drug-free. The fact he was drug- free changed matters considerably.