Maisie (simple judgment for parents with learning difficulties), Re

Maisie requires more support than can be provided to her parents, and no suitable shared lives or family placement is available; adoption is necessary for her stability and welfare.

Parties: Applicant: Rotherham MBC; First Respondent: Becky; Second Respondent: Sam; Child: Maisie (via Children’s Guardian Sharon)
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 22 July 2025
Procedural Posture: Family / Final Judgment
Outcome: Maisie to be placed for adoption.
Legal Topics: Adoption, Care and Placement Orders, Parents With Learning Disabilities, Best Interests of the Child

Family Law Child Law Adoption Care and Placement Orders Parents With Learning Disabilities Best Interests of the Child

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2

Parties

Rotherham MBC

Applicant

Becky

First Respondent

Sam

Second Respondent

Maisie (via Children’s Guardian Sharon)

Child

Procedural Posture

Family / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether Maisie should be placed for adoption or remain with her birth parents
2 Adequacy of parental support and capacity
3 Impact of delay on Maisie's welfare

Ratio Decidendi

Maisie requires more support than can be provided to her parents, and no suitable shared lives or family placement is available; adoption is necessary for her stability and welfare.

Court Disposition

Maisie to be placed for adoption.

Orders

Maisie must see her parents at least once a year; only adopters willing to agree to this are suitable.
Local authority to set out a plan for supporting parental contact.