Friday, Aug 31, 2018
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THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
HIGHLAND WITH A TWIST Some of New Zealand’s top dancers will take highland dancing to a new and different level in Ashburton next week.
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PHOTO SUE NEWMAN 290818-0075
Couple vows to Expect heavy traffic get baby back P2
BY KATIE TODD
KATIE.T@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
McLaren’s road monster MOTORING
An Ashburton couple who vowed never to give up fighting for custody of their baby are heading back to the courtroom for another shot. Allenton residents Jessica and Robert* gave birth to their first child on November 27, but it was placed in the care of the Ministry of Children, Oranga Tamariki, in Christchurch shortly after. The ministry, along with the Family Court, ruled that since giving birth Jessica demonstrated intellectual limitations and behaviour that could prevent her from being able to mother to a safe and nurturing level. They acknowledged that the decision to remove a baby from its parents could
be incredibly tough for families, but said in Jessica’s case it followed a comprehensive assessment of the needs and circumstances of the child. However, Jessica and Robert alleged the ministry based their claims on completely unfair evidence, including repeatedly referencing a reading and writing test Jessica undertook with a psychologist 15 years ago after a friend of hers committed suicide. Jessica said she could not understand the decision given that she has no criminal convictions and had never been a person of violence. She has since undertaken a second cognitive assessment which disagrees with the results of the first, deeming her more capable as a mother than the first
assessment suggests. It will be presented to the family court late next month. Jessica’s grandmother, who lives in Tinwald, said the current arrangement is taking a toll on the whole family. Herself, Jessica and Robert are able to make limited visits to the current caretaker in Christchurch, but feel as if they are missing out on precious moments in their baby’s first year. Jessica’s grandmother said she has absolutely no doubts in Jessica’s capability as a mother. “If you could see her with her baby, it’s just amazing,” she said. * All names have been changed due to privacy reasons.
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