Re H (a Child): 12 Dec 2002

The authority, having taken the mother three older children took an interim care order within ten days of the birth of the fourth. Both parents went into a residential assessment unit with the baby, and on progress being made, proposed rehabilitation in the community. On one occasion the mother left the unit overnight, complaining of her despair at the father’s behaviour. The authority then sought the baby’s removal. Intensive support was recommended by the psychiatrist, but this was unavailable locally.
Held: The authority’s response had been disproportionate. There had been a basic failure to provide for the mother’s needs. The parents’ improvement in the unit outweighed the scant evidence of risk through continuation of the assessment.

Citations:

(2002) LTL

Statutes:

Children Act 1989 38(6)

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Children

Updated: 06 July 2022; Ref: scu.228169