![FD25P00518 - [2025] EWHC 2247 (Fam)](https://backend.juristeca.com/files/emisores/logo_0FrGysm.png){kind=logo}
The Social Worker
The Social Worker
A social worker has filed a helpful witness statement, dated 26 August 2025. There is some considerable background. She gives evidence that the mother has seven children (including Baby J). All but one are the subject of Family Court orders of different types (interim care orders, special guardianship orders). It was thought that the mother’s current partner/friend was Baby J’s father but DNA testing has confirmed he is not. Another man has been identified as a sexual partner of the mother. He has been contacted and the situation was explained to him. He has declined on two occasions to engage in paternity testing. The evidence is that Baby J’s father is currently unknown.
Importantly, her witness statement sets out conversations that have taken place between family members and a social worker (who is not the author of the witness statement). These views are important and I set them out in full with relevant anonymisation:
Baby J’s maternal grandmother (“MGM”): she explained that she was aware of the situation with Baby J. I reminded her that what was new was that when he had the respirator removed, he was breathing by himself more. MGM said that she thinks that Baby J needs “closure” and that her view is that the breathing machine is turned off. I confirmed that this would likely lead to him dying and although MGM was visibly upset she confirmed that this would be the best for him as he needs closure.
Maternal Step Grandfather (MSG) - I spoke to MSG who confirmed that he understood what I had told him about Baby J‘s current position and the court hearings. He is aware that I am taking his view to the court and he said “it has to end for him”, MSG was crying but confirmed that this meant he wanted the machine turned off feeling that this would be the best for Baby J as he would have no quality of life. MSG noted that he feels Baby J has not really started his life as his brain has not been working since he was born.
The Maternal Great Grandfather (MGG) - I spoke to MGG. I made MGG aware of the current situation and checked out that he understood what I was saying. MGG said it would be “disaster to let him go on” and that it would be a “shame to carry on”. I confirmed that he was saying that the machine is currently breathing for Baby J should be turned off and he nodded and then said yes.
The social worker’s evidence is that the mother’s partner/friend was contacted on 22 August 2025. He continues to visit Baby J in hospital daily, despite no longer receiving medical updates, as he is not Baby J’s biological father. The mother’s partner expressed that although Baby J may not be his biological son, he has developed a strong bond and attachment to him and intends to continue seeing him regularly. The mother’s partner stated that if Baby J’s condition remains unchanged from the initial scans and concerns, he would sadly wish to “lay Baby J to rest.” He explained that if Baby J has no future or quality of life, he believes this would be the right decision for him. Although these conversations have not been held directly with the mother, the mother’s partner shared his belief that if Baby J were, for example, blind, the mother could manage this. However, if she were fully aware of the severity of Baby J’s condition, he is “pretty sure she wouldn’t want Baby J to be here in pain and discomfort.” He added that he believes both he and the mother would agree that if there is no quality of life, then “we would need to let him go.”