Case No. EWFC-63

41.As I have set out above, the mother’s ability to understand risky relationships has been an ongoing difficulty. H has been particularly affected by this. She has told professionals that she has recollections of seeing her mother having a chair thrown at her by one of her previous boyfriends, she has witnessed physical violence perpetrated by her mother’s partner on multiple occasions and has been hit once before by one of her mother’s partners. 42.The mother currently has a partner, D. This has been a turbulent relationship, and at times the mother has made significant allegations against him.43.At the prehearing review of this case, on 30th January 2023 it was suggested that I should adjourn hearing this welfare hearing to allow there to be an assessment of the mother’s ability to care for H and Y with D supporting her as a full time member of the household. The mother’s current view in relation to this relationship in her statement and her oral evidence is that D is a support to her, that he has a good relationship with Y. 44.The history of the problems in this relationship are fully set out within the independent social work report. The mother has regularly told professionals, that D ‘triggers’ her PTSD, by which she appears to be referring to him flirting with other women causing her distress. 45.The mother described at length to the psychologist in the matter how D was not faithful to her, but also told the independent social worker that he had a good relationship with H. H has told professionals that she goes upstairs and locks herself in her room when her mother and D are arguing. On 23 November 2022 the police were called after neighbours heard shouting and screaming at the mother’s property. H told the police that she likes her mother’s boyfriend, but that he and her mother argue and fight a lot, and she has to take herself upstairs and close herself in her room whilst they argue and fight. H also told the police that she has nightmares most nights and she wakes up screaming. 46.More concerningly, mother described to the independent social worker that she and D and H went to London to see the musical ‘Frozen’. She told the independent social worker that D became sexually aroused and had an erection during the performance, and that they then had a significant argument and the independent social worker stated that mother had said to her that they ended up leaving the performance early and it spoiled the day. In her evidence when the mother was asked about this, she then suggested that in fact D was not aroused by watching that children’s musical, but was aroused when she put her hand upon his crotch area during the performance to check if he was aroused. This was not a version that she had given to the independent social worker, but the mother appeared to consider that her second version was more acceptable.47.It was subsequent to that event, that it was suggested to the court that this case should be adjourned to enable D to be assessed as a carer for H with the mother.48.In her oral evidence, the mother told the court that she had been attending Relate sessions with D, and was hopeful in relation to their relationship.