NG23C50181 - [2025] EWHC 810 (Fam)

A is living in foster care in H County and her carers have indicated that she can stay with them on a long-term basis once a care order has made. She appears to have a good relationship with them and to be fairly settled. However, A did tell the Guardian that she wants to live with her mother. The evidence is that A understands that there are proceedings and a judge will decide where she lives. She has found the fact of the proceedings, and the uncertainty about her future unsettling and the length of the proceedings have had a materially negative impact upon her.

A has consistently said that the M and R2 would slap her round the face, and the M would slap her legs and her butt, which really hurt. Both parents deny this is true.

A is behind her peers at school. When she was living with her mother her school attendance was at times very poor (50.3%). She is now a very regular attender.

A has become very upset, angry and dysregulated when her mother has not attended for contact. Although this may not be the M’s fault, it is of the highest importance that A is not unsettled in this way going forward.

The three younger children are all living with Z, a relative of R2 in G County. B appears to have quite limited speech for a child of his age, and there are concerns about developmental delay. I will make clear in the order the great importance of him having speech and language assessment quickly, and Z receiving the help she needs in this regard.

C is reported to be doing well and meeting her milestones. D was born during proceedings and was made subject to an ICO soon after birth. He too appears to be doing well in Z’s care.

It is worth noting that Z is over 60 years old, and looking after three young children is plainly a considerable burden for her, and her adult children. She has shown a high level of commitment to the children, but will undoubtedly need help and support in the years to come in order to provide the children with a secure medium/long term home.