A to G (Care - seven siblings), Re [2025] EWFC 393 (B) (02 October 2025)

A to G (Care - seven siblings), Re [2025] EWFC 393 (B) (02 October 2025)

The threshold for intervention under section 31 Children Act 1989 was met due to significant harm from parental neglect, drug misuse, domestic abuse, and criminal behaviour. Despite the mother's engagement and some positive qualities, neither parent demonstrated the capacity to protect the children or make sustained...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 393 (B)
Parties
Applicant: A local authority; Respondent Mother: A mother; Second Respondent Father: A father; Third to Ninth Respondent Children: The children (acting by their children's guardian HELEN ROBEY)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Proceedings Under Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002 / Final Judgment
Outcome
Care orders granted for the three eldest children; care and placement orders granted for the four youngest children; parental consent to placement orders dispensed with.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Placement Orders, Parental Responsibility, Threshold Criteria, Contact Arrangements, Neglect, Domestic Abuse, Drug Misuse, Criminal Behaviour, Sibling Separation
Family Law Child Protection Adoption Care Orders Placement Orders Parental Responsibility Threshold Criteria Contact Arrangements +5 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

A local authority

Applicant

A mother

Respondent Mother

A father

Second Respondent Father

The children (acting by their children's guardian HELEN ROBEY)

Third to Ninth Respondent Children

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Proceedings Under Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002 / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the threshold for making care and placement orders under section 31 Children Act 1989 is met
  2. 2 Whether care and placement orders are necessary and proportionate for the welfare of the seven children
  3. 3 What contact arrangements are appropriate for the children with their parents and siblings

Ratio Decidendi

The threshold for intervention under section 31 Children Act 1989 was met due to significant harm from parental neglect, drug misuse, domestic abuse, and criminal behaviour. Despite the mother's engagement and some positive qualities, neither parent demonstrated the capacity to protect the children or make sustained changes. Care orders for the three eldest children and care and placement orders for the four youngest were necessary and proportionate to secure their welfare, as no lesser intervention would suffice.

Court Disposition

Care orders granted for the three eldest children; care and placement orders granted for the four youngest children; parental consent to placement orders dispensed with.

Orders

  • Care orders for Amber, Beau, and Connie to remain in long-term foster care
  • Care and placement orders for Emmie, Dylan, Fleur, and Gabriel for adoption