Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate 0330 056 3171
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate 0330 056 3171
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm

Court considers children who remain at home under care orders

Recent Posts

Family Court Fees to Rise

March 28, 2024

Related Posts

Family Court Fees to Rise

March 28, 2024

In a recent High Court case Mr Justice Baker out guidance relating to children who remain at home while under a local authority care order.

Re DE concerned a couple seeking to appeal a court’s refusal to grant them an injunction which would have prevented the removal of their child.

The new guidance was approved by Family Division President Sir James Munby. It states that:

*Local authorities should give a minimum of 14 days’ notice of any intent to remove a child who is living at home with their parents under a care order.

*Removal of the child from their home permanently should be undertaken “only as a last resort where nothing else will do.” Parents should be involved in the decision-making process.

*In such circumstances, parents should consider seeking an injunction under section 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

*Local authorities must consider whether immediate removal is really in the child’s best interests, and keep a written record of their discussion and the reasons for their decision.

*Family centres must consider whether or not care order applications in such circumstances are accompanied by Human Rights Act applications, and if they are, they should allocate the case to a circuit judge.

*The courts should normally grant applications for an injunction, “unless the child’s welfare requires his immediate removal from the family home.”

In RE, Mr Justice Baker described the earlier judge’s refusal as “plainly wrong”, and granted the couple permission to appeal.

The blog team at Stowe is a group of writers based across our family law offices who share their advice on the wellbeing and emotional aspects of divorce or separation from personal experience. As well as pieces from our family law solicitors, guest contributors also regularly contribute to share their knowledge.

Contact us

As the UK's largest family law firm we understand that every case is personal.

Leave a comment

Help & advice categories

Subscribe
?
Get
more
advice
Close

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.

What type of information are you looking for?


Privacy Policy
Close
Close