Lack of Multiagency Approach to Deaf Parents

Lack of Multiagency Approach to Deaf Parents

The local authority failed to fulfil its statutory obligations to provide coordinated, multiagency, and tailored support to the deaf parents as required by law. The absence of a proper multiagency approach, integrated care plan, and consistent reasonable adjustments means the parents have not had a fair opportunity to demonstrate parenting with support. In the interests of justice, the proceedings must be adjourned to allow these steps to be taken.

Parties
Applicant: Leicestershire County Council; First Respondent (mother): Amy; Second Respondent (father of Y and Z): Brad; Third Respondent (father of X): Carl; Fourth–sixth Respondents (children): X, Y, Z (by their Children’s Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 December 2024
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Adjournment of Final Hearing; Interim Care Orders in Force
Outcome
Adjournment granted; timetable extended; interim care orders to continue; final hearing to be relisted.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Parenting With Support, Multiagency Working, Reasonable Adjustments, Disabled Parents, Child Protection, Adjournment, Equality Act Duties
Family Law Disability Law Children Law Equality Law Care Orders Parenting With Support Multiagency Working Reasonable Adjustments +4 more

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Parties

Leicestershire County Council

Applicant

Amy

First Respondent (mother)

Brad

Second Respondent (father of Y and Z)

Carl

Third Respondent (father of X)

X, Y, Z (by their Children’s Guardian)

Fourth–sixth Respondents (children)

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Adjournment of Final Hearing; Interim Care Orders in Force

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the local authority fulfilled its statutory duties to disabled parents under the Equality Act 2010 and Children Act 1989
  2. 2 Whether the proceedings should be adjourned to allow a proper multiagency assessment and integrated care plan
  3. 3 Whether the parents have had a fair opportunity to demonstrate parenting with support

Ratio Decidendi

The local authority failed to fulfil its statutory obligations to provide coordinated, multiagency, and tailored support to the deaf parents as required by law. The absence of a proper multiagency approach, integrated care plan, and consistent reasonable adjustments means the parents have not had a fair opportunity to demonstrate parenting with support. In the interests of justice, the proceedings must be adjourned to allow these steps to be taken.

Court Disposition

Adjournment granted; timetable extended; interim care orders to continue; final hearing to be relisted.

Orders

  • Matter adjourned for multiagency meeting and integrated care plan to be prepared.
  • Referrals to National Deaf Mental Health Service and Deaf Action for Amy to be made and actively chased.