A Local Authority v T & Ors

A Local Authority v T & Ors

Threshold for care and supervision orders is met for both children due to actual harm caused by the mother's fabricated illness, lies about seizures and medication, unnecessary medical interventions, undermining professional relationships, and restricting B's relationship with her father. The risk of transference of harmful behaviour from A to B is manifest. A Care Order is made for A, who will remain at the Residential Placement, and a Supervision Order for B, who will live with F2. The mother's parental responsibility regarding B's education and medical treatment is restricted. Contact with both children is to be professionally supervised and limited.

Parties
Applicant: A Local Authority; First Respondent: T; Second Respondent: F1; Third Respondent: F2; Fourth and Fifth Respondents: A & B (Children, through their Children’s Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Supervision Orders (children) / Final Judgment After Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing
Outcome
Care Order for A; Supervision Order for B; restriction of mother's parental responsibility; professionally supervised contact.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Supervision Orders, Fabricated or Induced Illness (fii), Parental Responsibility, Threshold Criteria, Children's Welfare, Contact Arrangements, Expert Evidence
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Supervision Orders Fabricated or Induced Illness (fii) Parental Responsibility Threshold Criteria Children's Welfare +2 more

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Parties

A Local Authority

Applicant

T

First Respondent

F1

Second Respondent

F2

Third Respondent

A & B (Children, through their Children’s Guardian)

Fourth and Fifth Respondents

Procedural Posture

Care and Supervision Orders (children) / Final Judgment After Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether threshold for care and supervision orders is met for A and B
  2. 2 Whether the mother caused significant harm to A and B
  3. 3 Appropriate placement and contact arrangements for A and B

Ratio Decidendi

Threshold for care and supervision orders is met for both children due to actual harm caused by the mother's fabricated illness, lies about seizures and medication, unnecessary medical interventions, undermining professional relationships, and restricting B's relationship with her father. The risk of transference of harmful behaviour from A to B is manifest. A Care Order is made for A, who will remain at the Residential Placement, and a Supervision Order for B, who will live with F2. The mother's parental responsibility regarding B's education and medical treatment is restricted. Contact with both children is to be professionally supervised and limited.

Court Disposition

Care Order for A; Supervision Order for B; restriction of mother's parental responsibility; professionally supervised contact.

Orders

  • Care Order made for A, to remain at Residential Placement unless suitable long-term foster care is found.
  • Supervision Order made for B, to live with F2.