CtL and CmL (Children) (Welfare Hearing: Expert Report), Re

CtL and CmL (Children) (Welfare Hearing: Expert Report), Re

The children's urgent need for permanence, stability, and security outweighs the arguments for long-term fostering. Adoption offers the best prospect for safeguarding and promoting their welfare throughout their minority. The deficiencies in the expert report and the consensus among social workers and the guardian support the conclusion that placement orders for adoption are necessary and proportionate.

Parties
Local Authority: London Borough of Sutton; Mother: AP; Father: GL; Maternal Grandmother: RC; Children’s Guardian: Karen Gorbutt
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 June 2013
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings / Welfare Hearing
Outcome
Care and placement orders granted; consents of mother and father dispensed with.
Legal Topics
Adoption, Care Orders, Placement Orders, Contact Arrangements, Expert Evidence
Family Law Child Welfare Adoption Care Orders Placement Orders Contact Arrangements Expert Evidence

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Parties

London Borough of Sutton

Local Authority

AP

Mother

GL

Father

RC

Maternal Grandmother

Karen Gorbutt

Children’s Guardian

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings / Welfare Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the children should be placed for adoption or long-term foster care
  2. 2 Appropriate contact arrangements for parents and grandmother
  3. 3 Weight to be given to expert evidence versus social worker and guardian recommendations

Ratio Decidendi

The children's urgent need for permanence, stability, and security outweighs the arguments for long-term fostering. Adoption offers the best prospect for safeguarding and promoting their welfare throughout their minority. The deficiencies in the expert report and the consensus among social workers and the guardian support the conclusion that placement orders for adoption are necessary and proportionate.

Court Disposition

Care and placement orders granted; consents of mother and father dispensed with.

Orders

  • Care orders made for both children.
  • Placement orders made for both children pursuant to Adoption and Children Act 2002.