Lily Crawford (A Child), Re

Lily Crawford (A Child), Re

On the balance of probabilities, neither parent can provide a safe environment for Lily within a reasonable period due to ongoing vulnerability, emotional dependency, and risk of exposure to abusive relationships. Adoption is the only realistic option to secure Lily's welfare and permanence. The threshold for a care order is met, and the welfare of the child requires dispensing with parental consent for a placement order.

Parties
Applicant: Worcester County Council; First Respondent: Mary Jameson; Second Respondent: Bruce Crawford; Third Respondent: Lily Crawford (A Child)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Judgment
Outcome
placement order made; parental consent dispensed with
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Placement Orders, Adoption, Domestic Abuse, Parental Capacity, Child Welfare, European Convention on Human Rights
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Placement Orders Adoption Domestic Abuse Parental Capacity Child Welfare +1 more

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Parties

Worcester County Council

Applicant

Mary Jameson

First Respondent

Bruce Crawford

Second Respondent

Lily Crawford (A Child)

Third Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Proceedings / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the threshold criteria for a care order under section 31 Children Act 1989 are satisfied
  2. 2 Whether a placement order should be made dispensing with parental consent under Adoption and Children Act 2002
  3. 3 Whether the mother or father can provide safe care for Lily within a reasonable period

Ratio Decidendi

On the balance of probabilities, neither parent can provide a safe environment for Lily within a reasonable period due to ongoing vulnerability, emotional dependency, and risk of exposure to abusive relationships. Adoption is the only realistic option to secure Lily's welfare and permanence. The threshold for a care order is met, and the welfare of the child requires dispensing with parental consent for a placement order.

Court Disposition

placement order made; parental consent dispensed with

Orders

  • final care order granted
  • placement order granted under Adoption and Children Act 2002