Insight
233.Miss Edmunds argues that it is unfair to criticise D for not knowing the full details of what has been happening on the ground for A since December 2020. He has not seen any material. Fairness requires him to have an opportunity to read and digest the concerns so that he can have informed views. In my judgment, D’s commitment to this process has been somewhat limited and making all allowances for his lack of skills with technology and the fact that he lives in Gabon, the evidence does, in my judgment, demonstrate limited commitment. 234.My paramount consideration is A’s welfare and his welfare needs do not change just because some of his relatives and the would-be carer live in Gabon. It is for me to reach a judgment on whether D has shown enough commitment to the cause of A’s welfare to enable me to be satisfied that in terms of a potential carer he is “a runner”. When I perform a holistic assessment of all the evidence, I am not so satisfied.
- IN THE LIVERPOOL FAMILY COURT
- Oral evidence
- The law
- Home conditions
- Physical chastisement
- The application to adjourn for further assessment of D
- Insight
- Lack of relationship
- Communication
- The ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned considered in light of his age and understanding
- His physical, emotional and educational needs and how capable each of the parents, and any other person in relation to whom the Court considers the question to be relevant, is of meeting his needs
- The likely effect on A of any change in his circumstances
- His age, sex, background and any characteristics which the Court considers relevant
- Any harm which A has suffered or is at risk of suffering
- End of judgment