Case No. GL20P00553

41, Peter Jackson LJ reviewed the statutory material relating to children whose parent or parents wish them to be relinquished for adoption. At paragraphs 89 onwards, he set out the principles which should apply when a parent wishes to relinquish a baby confidentially without notice to other family members. One particular factor in the balancing exercise to be conducted is the likelihood of a family placement being a realistic alternative to adoption. At paragraph 89(4) he stated “This is of particular importance to the child’s lifelong welfare as it may determine whether or not adoption is necessary. An objective view, going beyond the say-so of the person seeking confidentiality, should be taken about whether a family member may or may not be a potential carer. Where a family placement is unlikely to be worth investigating or where notification may cause significant harm to those notified, this factor will speak in favour of maintaining confidentiality, anything less than that and it will point the other way’.