London Borough of Tower Hamlets v Mother & Ors [2025] EWFC 216 (B) (11 June 2025)

London Borough of Tower Hamlets v Mother & Ors [2025] EWFC 216 (B) (11 June 2025)

Adoption is the only option that can provide ST with the stability, safety, and consistent care he requires, given the significant risks posed by his immediate and extended family, the inability of his mother and W to reliably meet his needs due to their own circumstances and the needs of other children in their care, and the likelihood of placement breakdown if placed within the family. The threshold for intervention has been crossed, and no family placement can adequately safeguard ST's welfare.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 216 (B)
Parties
Applicant Local Authority: London Borough of Tower Hamlets; First Respondent: The Mother; Second Respondent: The Father; Third Respondent / Special Guardianship Applicant: W; Child: ST (child, through Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 June 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Judgment
Outcome
Care order and placement order for adoption granted. Special guardianship order refused.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Placement Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, Adoption, Welfare of the Child, Risk Assessment, Parental Capacity
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Placement Orders Special Guardianship Orders Adoption Welfare of the Child Risk Assessment +1 more

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Parties

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Applicant Local Authority

The Mother

First Respondent

The Father

Second Respondent

W

Third Respondent / Special Guardianship Applicant

ST (child, through Guardian)

Child

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a care order and placement order for adoption should be made for ST
  2. 2 Whether a special guardianship order in favour of W is in ST's best interests
  3. 3 Assessment of risk and capacity of family members to care for ST

Ratio Decidendi

Adoption is the only option that can provide ST with the stability, safety, and consistent care he requires, given the significant risks posed by his immediate and extended family, the inability of his mother and W to reliably meet his needs due to their own circumstances and the needs of other children in their care, and the likelihood of placement breakdown if placed within the family. The threshold for intervention has been crossed, and no family placement can adequately safeguard ST's welfare.

Court Disposition

Care order and placement order for adoption granted. Special guardianship order refused.

Orders

  • Care order made in respect of ST.
  • Placement order made authorising adoption of ST.