London Borough of Barnet v Mother (K) & Anor [2025] EWFC 335 (B) (22 April 2025)

London Borough of Barnet v Mother (K) & Anor [2025] EWFC 335 (B) (22 April 2025)

The court found that K, with or without M's support, is unable to provide safe and consistent care for N due to ongoing drug misuse, failure to engage with necessary support services, repeated involvement in abusive relationships, and lack of insight into her vulnerabilities. All professional assessments were negative, and no viable alternative carers were identified. Delay for further assessment would not be in N's welfare interests. The threshold for a care order was met and adoption was the only option that would meet N's lifelong welfare needs. The court dispensed with K's consent to the placement order as required by N's welfare.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 335 (B)
Parties
Mother: K; Child: N; Mother's Partner/father of Older Children: M; Local Authority: London Borough of Barnet
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 April 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
Care order and placement order made; mother's consent to placement order dispensed with; plan for adoption approved.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Placement Orders, Adoption, Parental Responsibility, Threshold Criteria, Domestic Abuse, Drug Misuse, Welfare Checklist
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Placement Orders Adoption Parental Responsibility Threshold Criteria Domestic Abuse +2 more

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Parties

K

Mother

N

Child

M

Mother's Partner/father of Older Children

London Borough of Barnet

Local Authority

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether N should be returned to the care of her mother K or remain with foster carers for adoption
  2. 2 Whether further assessment of K and M is necessary or in N's best interests
  3. 3 Whether threshold criteria for a care order are met

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that K, with or without M's support, is unable to provide safe and consistent care for N due to ongoing drug misuse, failure to engage with necessary support services, repeated involvement in abusive relationships, and lack of insight into her vulnerabilities. All professional assessments were negative, and no viable alternative carers were identified. Delay for further assessment would not be in N's welfare interests. The threshold for a care order was met and adoption was the only option that would meet N's lifelong welfare needs. The court dispensed with K's consent to the placement order as required by N's welfare.

Court Disposition

Care order and placement order made; mother's consent to placement order dispensed with; plan for adoption approved.

Orders

  • Care order in respect of N
  • Placement order in respect of N