K (Adoption Order: Final Hearing), Re [2025] EWFC 320 (B) (11 September 2025)

K (Adoption Order: Final Hearing), Re [2025] EWFC 320 (B) (11 September 2025)

It is in C's best interests throughout his life to remain with the prospective adopters (FC). The parents have made significant progress, but C's complex needs, attachment, and history of trauma mean that a return to the parents cannot be predicted to succeed with the high degree of confidence required. An adoption order is proportionate and necessary to secure C's welfare and permanence; a special guardianship order would not provide sufficient stability. Post-adoption contact should be set at two direct and two indirect contacts per year, with flexibility left to the parties.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 320 (B)
Parties
Applicant: FC (prospective adopters); First Respondent: Central Bedfordshire Council; Second Respondent: Mother (M); Third Respondent: Father (F); Fourth Respondent: Simon Bullen (Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 September 2025
Procedural Posture
Adoption Application / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
Adoption order granted in favour of the applicants (FC).
Legal Topics
Adoption, Placement Order Revocation, Special Guardianship Order, Post Adoption Contact, Welfare of the Child, Proportionality, Article 8 ECHR
Family Law Child Law Adoption Placement Order Revocation Special Guardianship Order Post Adoption Contact Welfare of the Child Proportionality +1 more

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Parties

FC (prospective adopters)

Applicant

Central Bedfordshire Council

First Respondent

Mother (M)

Second Respondent

Father (F)

Third Respondent

Simon Bullen (Guardian)

Fourth Respondent

Procedural Posture

Adoption Application / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to grant an adoption order for C or revoke the placement order and consider rehabilitation or special guardianship
  2. 2 Whether post-adoption contact should be ordered and at what level

Ratio Decidendi

It is in C's best interests throughout his life to remain with the prospective adopters (FC). The parents have made significant progress, but C's complex needs, attachment, and history of trauma mean that a return to the parents cannot be predicted to succeed with the high degree of confidence required. An adoption order is proportionate and necessary to secure C's welfare and permanence; a special guardianship order would not provide sufficient stability. Post-adoption contact should be set at two direct and two indirect contacts per year, with flexibility left to the parties.

Court Disposition

Adoption order granted in favour of the applicants (FC).

Orders

  • Adoption order made for C in favour of FC.
  • Template for post-adoption contact: two direct and two indirect contacts per year; further flexibility left to the parties.