RCW v A Local Authority (No.2): Re SB

RCW v A Local Authority (No.2): Re SB

Adoption by RCW is in SB’s best interests as professional assessments confirm her ability to parent with appropriate support, and the child is thriving in her care; visual impairment alone is not a bar to adoption where welfare is secured.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant: RCW; Respondent: A Local Authority (LBX); Respondent: SB (by CAFCASS her Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 July 2013
Procedural Posture
Adoption Application / Final Judgment on Adoption Order
Outcome
Adoption order granted in favour of RCW
Legal Topics
Adoption, Disability and Parenting, Best Interests of the Child, Human Rights Act Injunctions
Family Law Human Rights Adoption Disability and Parenting Best Interests of the Child Human Rights Act Injunctions

Source-derived case record

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 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

RCW

Applicant

A Local Authority (LBX)

Respondent

SB (by CAFCASS her Guardian)

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Adoption Application / Final Judgment on Adoption Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether adoption by a visually impaired applicant is in the best interests of the child
  2. 2 Whether the local authority's initial decision to remove the child was justified
  3. 3 What support arrangements are necessary for the applicant to parent effectively

Ratio Decidendi

Adoption by RCW is in SB’s best interests as professional assessments confirm her ability to parent with appropriate support, and the child is thriving in her care; visual impairment alone is not a bar to adoption where welfare is secured.

Court Disposition

Adoption order granted in favour of RCW

Orders

  • RCW to continue support from Focal Point UK for 12 months
  • LBX to reimburse RCW for majority of Focal Point UK costs (£10,000)