In the matter of Imogen (Care order) [2016] JRC 081 (11 April 2016)

In the matter of Imogen (Care order) [2016] JRC 081 (11 April 2016)

The Court found the threshold criteria for a care order were met due to emotional harm and attachment difficulties caused by the mother's parenting. Placement with the godmother in Jersey was determined to be in Imogen's best interests, preserving her settled environment, access to services, and relationships, and supported by professional assessments and the Guardian. The step-grandmother's proposal was rejected due to disruption and unresolved life story issues.

Citation
[2016] JRC 081
Parties
Applicant: Minister for Children; Second Respondent (child): Imogen; First Respondent: Mother; Third Respondent: Step-grandmother; Fourth Respondent: Godmother; Fifth Respondent: Godmother's Partner; Sixth Respondent: Step-father
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
11 April 2016
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings / Final Hearing and Judgment
Outcome
Final care order granted; care plan approved
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Child Welfare, Connected Person Carers, Threshold Criteria, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Child Welfare Connected Person Carers Threshold Criteria Parental Responsibility

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Parties

Minister for Children

Applicant

Imogen

Second Respondent (child)

Mother

First Respondent

Step-grandmother

Third Respondent

Godmother

Fourth Respondent

Godmother's Partner

Fifth Respondent

Step-father

Sixth Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings / Final Hearing and Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether threshold criteria for care order are met
  2. 2 With whom Imogen should reside under a care order
  3. 3 Appropriate arrangements for contact

Ratio Decidendi

The Court found the threshold criteria for a care order were met due to emotional harm and attachment difficulties caused by the mother's parenting. Placement with the godmother in Jersey was determined to be in Imogen's best interests, preserving her settled environment, access to services, and relationships, and supported by professional assessments and the Guardian. The step-grandmother's proposal was rejected due to disruption and unresolved life story issues.

Court Disposition

Final care order granted; care plan approved

Orders

  • Imogen to be placed with the godmother and her partner in Jersey as connected person carers under a care order
  • Minister to retain parental responsibility