A Local Authority v M & Ors [2020] EWFC B28 (23 October 2020)

J suffered and was likely to suffer significant harm in parental care due to neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence, and inability to meet basic needs. No safe family placement available. Adoption is necessary and proportionate; parental consent dispensed with as J's welfare requires placement for adoption.

Citation: [2020] EWFC B28
Parties: Mother: M; Father: F; Applicant: Local Authority; Guardian: Children's Guardian
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 23 October 2020
Procedural Posture: Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Hearing
Outcome: care order and placement order made; parental consent to adoption dispensed with
Legal Topics: Adoption, Care Order, Placement Order, Parental Responsibility, Threshold Criteria, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Misuse, Neglect

Family Law Child Protection Adoption Care Order Placement Order Parental Responsibility Threshold Criteria Domestic Violence +2 more

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1

Parties

Mother

Father

Local Authority

Applicant

Children's Guardian

Guardian

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Hearing

Legal Issues

1 Whether threshold criteria for care and placement orders are met
2 Whether J should be placed for adoption
3 Whether parental consent to adoption should be dispensed with

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

care order and placement order made; parental consent to adoption dispensed with

Orders

Care order in respect of J
Placement order authorising local authority to place J for adoption