A Local Authority v Mother & Ors

A Local Authority v Mother & Ors

Care and placement orders are necessary and proportionate for A's welfare as neither parent has accepted responsibility for A's injuries, lacks insight, and cannot safely care for A; adoption is the only realistic option to secure permanence and protect A from further harm.

Parties
Applicant: A Local Authority; 1st Respondent: Mother; 2nd Respondent: Father; 3rd Respondent: A (the child through their guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Order Application / Final Judgment
Outcome
Care and placement orders granted; parental consent dispensed with; no contact order made.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Placement Orders, Adoption, Threshold Criteria, Welfare Checklist, Parental Consent, Article 8 ECHR, Post Adoption Contact
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Placement Orders Adoption Threshold Criteria Welfare Checklist Parental Consent +2 more

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Parties

A Local Authority

Applicant

Mother

1st Respondent

Father

2nd Respondent

A (the child through their guardian)

3rd Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Application / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether threshold criteria for care order under Section 31 Children Act 1989 are satisfied
  2. 2 Whether care and placement orders are necessary and proportionate for A's welfare
  3. 3 Whether parental consent should be dispensed with for placement order

Ratio Decidendi

Care and placement orders are necessary and proportionate for A's welfare as neither parent has accepted responsibility for A's injuries, lacks insight, and cannot safely care for A; adoption is the only realistic option to secure permanence and protect A from further harm.

Court Disposition

Care and placement orders granted; parental consent dispensed with; no contact order made.

Orders

  • Care order for A
  • Placement order for A