MJC (adoption), Re [2015] EWFC B121 (24 August 2015)

MJC (adoption), Re [2015] EWFC B121 (24 August 2015)

MJC's welfare throughout her life requires the making of an adoption order, as neither her parents nor extended family can provide a secure environment, and the risks of harm and abduction persist. The benefits of permanence, stability, and safety in the adoptive placement outweigh the significant losses of natural family ties. Restricted indirect contact is appropriate to protect the placement.

Citation
[2015] EWFC B121
Parties
Applicants (prospective Adopters): Mr and Mrs A; Mother (respondent): RW; Father (respondent): MC; Local Authority: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 August 2015
Procedural Posture
Adoption Application / Final Hearing
Outcome
adoption order granted
Legal Topics
Adoption, Care Orders, Placement Orders, Parental Consent, Welfare of the Child
Family Law Child Law Adoption Care Orders Placement Orders Parental Consent Welfare of the Child

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Parties

Mr and Mrs A

Applicants (prospective Adopters)

RW

Mother (respondent)

MC

Father (respondent)

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Local Authority

Procedural Posture

Adoption Application / Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether an adoption order should be made for MJC despite parental opposition
  2. 2 Whether the welfare of MJC requires dispensing with parental consent to adoption
  3. 3 Appropriateness of indirect contact arrangements post-adoption

Ratio Decidendi

MJC's welfare throughout her life requires the making of an adoption order, as neither her parents nor extended family can provide a secure environment, and the risks of harm and abduction persist. The benefits of permanence, stability, and safety in the adoptive placement outweigh the significant losses of natural family ties. Restricted indirect contact is appropriate to protect the placement.

Court Disposition

adoption order granted

Orders

  • Adoption order made in favour of Mr and Mrs A for MJC
  • Indirect contact to be maintained via letterbox scheme (cards, letters, photos of natural family)