Case No. LV21C01426

45.W was born to the mother and F2. After initially living with his mother and his father until they separated when W was about 18 months old. He then lived with his mother and F1 until 10 June 2021. At the age of six years one month, W was placed with his current foster carers together with his brother X. W and X have remained in the care of the current carers who expressed a desire to care for the boys long-term. Shortly before the final hearing the foster carers informed that they no longer considered themselves able to offer long-term care for either W or X. Whatever the outcome of these proceedings both boys will have to be placed in an alternate placement or placements.46.W is described in his permanent placement report as a happy and sociable child with a streetwise maturity and impeccable manners. It is said that W likes everything to be planned and organised and thrives on routine. It is noted that unfortunately W has a negative view of himself and can think that he is unliked or unpopular. Pastimes W enjoys are gymnastics and football. The foster carers report that W does not like playing on his own and likes to have lots of attention and reassurance. Although W has a cheerful and engaging disposition it is said that he also presents as anxious and hypervigilant; he’s very worried about his future. He exhibits anxiety regarding contact with his parents of whom he holds a negative view.47.The foster carers report that W had developed a caring role for his little brother. He would save half his meals for X when first entering foster care until he was assured X would be provided with his own meal.48.W does not have any memories of his father and considers F1 to be his ‘Dad’. It is reported that he considers he feels he is treated differently to his younger siblings.49.X was 3 ½ when he was placed with the foster carers he shares with W. In X’s permanent placement report he is described as a really active little boy who loves going to the park in the playground and has a cheerful disposition. It is reported that X loves to play with his brother W and follows him wherever he goes.50.Y was just over two years of age when she was placed with foster carers together with Z. Y is described as a silent girl who is becoming increasingly confident and tearful. Y is nervous when meeting new people and requires significant reassurance. The current foster carers described Y as a caring and big sister to her brother Z.51.When the children were removed from their parents’ care Z was only one year of age. Z’s foster carers described him as a happy and content child who whilst appears confident can be anxious around unfamiliar people; they report a strong connection with his sister Y to whom he looks for reassurance at home.