For the purpose of this case study all individuals are refered to by a false name.
We were approached by Mr and Mrs French who wished to adopt a child whom they had been fostering.
The child was the current subject of care proceedings in which the Local Authority had planned permanence away from the natural birth family. The foster carers had grown an attachment towards the child, Craig, and wanted advice and representation in the ongoing proceedings as the Local Authority had decided that they would not be the appropriate family for this child.
The Children’s Guardian supported placement with foster carers on a permanent basis and we were able to represent them in the ongoing care proceedings to which we were able to intervene and eventually be made parties. This meant that the Judge heard their views and ordered assessments of them at the earliest possible time, assessments which were ultimately positive.
At the conclusion of the care proceedings the parents were able to agree that Mr and Mrs French were appropriate carers for their child and were able to put themselves in a position where they did not contest such a placement taking place.
The adoption application was therefore very smooth and ultimately the child now has a secure and stable home with carers who have looked after him for the majority of his short life and with whom he has a bond.