The modern adoption – Should I see my biological family after I am adopted?

In recent years, the adoption model has undergone significant changes, moving away from the secrecy that once surrounded it. Comprehensive guidance has emerged, emphasising the importance of face-to-face contact between adopted children and their birth families. Adoption law specialist Zahra ...

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Responding to allegations of alienating behaviour: clarity at last

In December 2024, the Family Justice Council (FJC) published long-awaited guidance on how the courts should respond to a child’s unexplained reluctance, resistance or refusal to spend time with a parent, and allegations of alienating behaviour—a topic that has, for ...

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Court of Protection rules on the use of the inherent jurisdiction

Case report: RK, Re (Capacity; Contact; Inherent Jurisdiction) [2023] EWCOP 37 (18 August 2023) Rachel Turner, who was instructed by the Official Solicitor, acted for R in these proceedings which concerned: 1. R’s capacity to make decisions about contact with ...

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Separate care arrangements for siblings

Lorraine Green acted for two children, aged 16 and 4, when the local authority applied for a care order for the older child and a supervision order for the younger one in 2020. The older child was a girl who ...

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Supporting a teenager through local authority care proceedings

Gemma Hodder supported a teenage girl over two years while the local authority pursued care proceedings for our client and a younger child. The young person had been living with her older sister, since her mother had died and her ...

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A move to supported living in Sussex (even during Covid-19)

In April 2020, as the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic had much of the country in lockdown, Kaileigh Hazeldine helped a man relocate to less restrictive accommodation in Sussex. The man was 69 years old, with a diagnosis of bipolar ...

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Facilitating a contact plan between adults with learning and mental health difficulties

Kaileigh Hazeldine supported a gentleman through several local authority proceedings in regard to agreeing a contact plan with his partner of more than 30 years. She has paranoid schizophrenia and learning difficulties and after a hospital admission required a long-term ...

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Successful Suitability Review for someone with sickle cell disorder

Severe medical conditions need to be taken into account when a local authority provides a housing allocation. Where accommodation is unsuitable, this can be challenged by asking the council to review the decision (known as a section 202 suitability review). ...

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Brothers kept together with support under Care Order

Case report: Confidential children’s care proceedings. Lorraine Green represented two brothers in relation to care proceedings brought by the local authority, following concerns about their parent’s capacity to protect them in light of drug and alcohol misuse, domestic abuse and ...

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