FC (A Child: Care or Supervision Order), Re

This judgment was delivered in private. The judge has given leave for it to be reported on the strict understanding that (irrespective of what is contained in the judgment) in any report no person other than the advocates or the solicitors instructing them and any other persons identified by name in the judgment itself may be identified by name or location and that in particular the anonymity of the child and the adult members of her family must be strictly preserved.

With the agreement of all parties, the final hearing proceeded on submissions without hearing oral evidence. In her judgment the District Judge concluded that it was appropriate to make a final care order. The local authority appeals against that decision. Both parents support the local authority. The guardian opposes the appeal. I heard the appeal on 12 th October. I reserved judgment.

The mother gave birth to her first child, A, in 2001 and her second child, B, in 2002. By the time B was born care proceedings were already underway in respect of A. Proceedings were issued in respect of B. Final care orders and freeing orders were made in respect of both children.

The mother began a new relationship. In 2004 she gave birth to her third child, C. The local authority issued care proceedings. In 2005 a final care order and a freeing order were made in respect of C.

The mother began another relationship. She gave birth to her fourth child D in 2007. D was made the subject of a child protection plan. A parenting assessment of D's father concluded that he was able to provide good enough care for D. A residence order was made in his favour. The mother was allowed fortnightly supervised contact at a contact centre. Contact is no longer taking place.