PQR (Supported Parenting For Learning Disabled Parents) (Rev 1) [2018] EWFC B72 (30 October 2018)

PQR (Supported Parenting For Learning Disabled Parents) (Rev 1) [2018] EWFC B72 (30 October 2018)

The level of support required for the mother to care for the children would amount to substituted parenting, which is not in the children's best interests. The children require stability and consistent care, which cannot be provided by the mother even with maximum support. Long term foster care is the only option that serves the children's welfare.

Citation
[2018] EWFC B72
Parties
Mother: M; Father of Q and R: N; Father of P: O; Applicant: Local Authority; Children's Guardian: Guardian
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 October 2018
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Final Hearing
Outcome
Care orders granted; children to remain in long term foster care.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Learning Disability and Parenting, Supported Parenting, Substituted Parenting, Welfare of the Child, Threshold Criteria, Domestic Violence, Neglect
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Learning Disability and Parenting Supported Parenting Substituted Parenting Welfare of the Child Threshold Criteria +2 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

M

Mother

N

Father of Q and R

O

Father of P

Local Authority

Applicant

Guardian

Children's Guardian

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Final Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the mother, who is learning disabled, can safely parent her children with support from the local authority
  2. 2 Whether the level of support required would amount to substituted parenting rather than supported parenting
  3. 3 Whether long term foster care is in the best interests of the children

Ratio Decidendi

The level of support required for the mother to care for the children would amount to substituted parenting, which is not in the children's best interests. The children require stability and consistent care, which cannot be provided by the mother even with maximum support. Long term foster care is the only option that serves the children's welfare.

Court Disposition

Care orders granted; children to remain in long term foster care.

Orders

  • Children to be placed in long term foster care.
  • Mother, N, and maternal grandparents to have supervised contact at defined times.