B & Anor v A Local Authority & Ors

Adoption orders are granted because the applicants meet all legal requirements, the children’s welfare is best served by recognising them as full legal members of the family, and parental consent for one child is properly dispensed with as the mother cannot be found.

Parties: Applicant: Mrs B; Applicant: Mr B; 1st Respondent: A Local Authority; 2nd Respondent: A; 3rd Respondent: B
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 04 October 2025
Procedural Posture: Adoption Application / Final Judgment
Outcome: Adoption orders granted for both children.
Legal Topics: International Adoption, Recognition of Foreign Adoption Orders, Dispensation of Parental Consent, Child Welfare, Article 8 ECHR

Family Law Child Law International Adoption Recognition of Foreign Adoption Orders Dispensation of Parental Consent Child Welfare Article 8 ECHR

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Parties

Mrs B

Applicant

Mr B

Applicant

A Local Authority

1st Respondent

2nd Respondent

3rd Respondent

Procedural Posture

Adoption Application / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether English adoption orders should be granted for children previously adopted in Sierra Leone
2 Whether parental consent requirements are satisfied or should be dispensed with
3 Whether adoption is in the best interests of the children

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Adoption orders granted for both children.

Orders

Adoption orders made for both children.
Dispensation of consent for the mother of the first child pursuant to s52(1)(a) Adoption and Children Act 2002.