Sir, - Patricia Casey refers (Opinion, November 9th) to couples having to pass "almost pornographic tests to demonstrate their capacity to become loving parents." I assume this refers to sexuality being addressed in assessment; and as a social worker with 26 years' experience in fostering and adoption assessment, I wish to clarify why this is a pertinent issue for all childless couples.
The sorrow evoked by infertility takes a great toll on a sexual relationship. For some people, this is irreversible, and permeates every aspect of their lives together.
The trauma of infertility can be heightened for some couples who may regard the ease with which birth parents can become pregnant as a constant reminder of their own loss. This can reduce the support they can offer a child who needs to assimilate the birth parent's story into his/her own history, especially during adolescence.
Some infertility is due to non-consummation of the marriage. This can have a devastating effect on the couple's relationship.
It is not unknown for people who foster or adopt to have child sexual abuse as a motivation. Therefore, social workers have a responsibility to raise this topic in the best interests of the child. If we do not meet our responsibility in this respect, we would be rightly found to be neglectful.
Some applicants have had experience of child sexual abuse themselves. Unless they have come through this, they will be unable to care for a child who has been a victim of child sexual abuse.
We discuss sexuality in assessment as part of our statutory responsibility (Child Care Regulations 1995) to ensure the best possible outcome to fostering and adoption for all parties concerned. - Yours, etc., Maire Ni Mhaoilir,
Ballyboden Road, Dublin 16.