P, Q, R and S (Children) [2014] EWFC B166 (5 December 2014)

P, Q, R and S (Children) [2014] EWFC B166 (5 December 2014)

The threshold for care orders under s.31 Children Act 1989 is met due to a long history of neglect, emotional harm, instability, and the parents' inability or unwillingness to engage with professionals. The children's welfare requires that P remain in long-term foster care and that Q, R, and S be placed for adoption, as the parents are unable to provide safe and stable care within the children's timescales. The court is not satisfied that the parents can make the necessary changes to their parenting or engagement with professionals to meet the children's needs.

Citation
[2014] EWFC B166
Parties
Mother/respondent: X; Father/respondent: Y; Applicant/local Authority: Leeds City Council; Subjects/children: Children (P, Q, R, S)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 December 2014
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings (public Law) / Final Judgment
Outcome
Care orders made for P, Q, R, and S. P to remain in long-term foster care; Q, R, and S to be placed for adoption.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Parental Responsibility, Adoption, Child Welfare, Mental Health and Parenting, Expert Evidence
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Parental Responsibility Adoption Child Welfare Mental Health and Parenting Expert Evidence

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Parties

X

Mother/respondent

Y

Father/respondent

Leeds City Council

Applicant/local Authority

Children (P, Q, R, S)

Subjects/children

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings (public Law) / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the threshold for care orders under s.31 Children Act 1989 is met for P, Q, R, and S
  2. 2 Whether the children should be placed in long-term foster care or adoption
  3. 3 Whether the parents are capable of providing safe and appropriate care within the children's timescales

Ratio Decidendi

The threshold for care orders under s.31 Children Act 1989 is met due to a long history of neglect, emotional harm, instability, and the parents' inability or unwillingness to engage with professionals. The children's welfare requires that P remain in long-term foster care and that Q, R, and S be placed for adoption, as the parents are unable to provide safe and stable care within the children's timescales. The court is not satisfied that the parents can make the necessary changes to their parenting or engagement with professionals to meet the children's needs.

Court Disposition

Care orders made for P, Q, R, and S. P to remain in long-term foster care; Q, R, and S to be placed for adoption.

Orders

  • Care orders under s.31 Children Act 1989 for P, Q, R, and S.
  • P to remain in long-term foster care with monthly contact with parents and N.