5 Dec 2014
HUGHES v MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & ORS [2014] NZHC 3093
- Citation
- [2014] NZHC 3093
- Court
- High Court
The High Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the Family Court: where safety and welfare are ensured both kin and high-quality non-kin were viable, CYPFA's family/family-group preference (and COCA principles applied in context) gave persuasive weight to placement with the paternal grandparents; available evidence (Queensland assessments, caregiver reports, witnesses, and in-court testing) was sufficient to conclude the grandparents were suitable despite age and concerns about the father; further delay for additional expert assessment was not justified given the children’s need for timely s…