Her first, her last, her only

Chapter 2

The Family Court was surprisingly busy for a later summer's morning. Julia sat quietly with her social worker, waiting to be called in. As she had no family and her mother had died the courts were being consulted on her future. Tommy hadn't surfaced and it was clear that decisions needed to be made.

The usher called hem in promptly and Julia observed the judge. Like she expected he appeared old. As this was the family court the judges didn't wear their formal robes, it was thought to scare the children too much who attended. The proceedings were all in private which Julia was grateful for.

The barrister for the Local Authority made their opening statement, arguing that Julia should be subject to a full care order in the absence of any living relatives and that she should remain living at the children's home. The Judge turned to her Guardian.

"I understand you have an alternative plan that you wish to present to the Court Ms Wilson. Please proceed."

Her Guardian smiled and started to speak.

"We have no objection to the granting of a full care order and Miss Taylor fully understands why it is needed. We have been unable to identify any family who could be approached to care for Miss Taylor and even if we did here is the issue that she'd not had any contact with them. Her step father has disappeared and Miss Taylor has advised, as you will be aware in the assessment that his behaviour towards her has been inappropriate at times. I don't need to repeat this in court but would ask that the court look to exhibits D and K.

What we wish to challenge is the accommodation plan for Miss Taylor. As you know she will be 16 on the 18th of October. She is not a troubled child who needs a specialist foster placement or the care of a children's home. She is a very bright and intelligent young woman who has been assessed as having good life skills, far better than some of the young people who leave care.

The weekly cost of a placement in a children's home which has been supplied by the Local Authority is £745 per week. This is a lot of money to pay for what is effectively a hotel room with 2 meals a day. In addition there would be transport costs to get her to University which would add another £120 a month to the package.

In front of you there are details of the alternative we propose. The rental of a one bedroomed flat within walking distance of the college would be £950 per month. Miss Tylor receives a stipend of £10,500 a year from the University and would use that to pay for her food and bills. As you are aware from the case law supplied there is a precedent for this arrangement and I would urge your Honour to order this for the duration of Miss Taylors course which is 3 years starting on the 5th of October. 

I would also add that Miss Taylor has no history of drug or alcohol abuse and is a model student. She would continue to have support from the Looked after Children's team and regular reviews."

The Judge turned to Julia. He took a long time to speak and for once she felt nervous. The thought of going back to the Children's home frightened her even though the men had finally gotten the message that she wasn't interested in being their girlfriend and had left.

"I understand that you assisted Ms Wilson in drawing up this plan. How do you feel about being on your own, especially at night?"

Julia took a deep breath. "My step father used to bring people home at all hours of the night and some of the men have been coming onto my bedroom. I put a lock on the door but he pulled it off and hit me. In my own home I know I can lock the door and be safe. I don't like being around lots of people and I need quiet and space to study. I've already had things stolen at the home and I would be scared that when I started at University more things would go missing."

She stopped and took a deep breath. "I can't live like that. Please just give me a chance. Lots of other people my age have to live like that and they seem to have more problems than I do. I can cook and clean and budget. I promise I will be good, just let me try this please."