In the matter of TT (Child custody)

The Minister seeks an order, pursuant to Article 12 of the Adoption (Jersey) Law 1961 ("the Adoption Law"), that TT be freed for adoption. The parties to the proceedings are the Minister, TT's mother , and TT's father. Mrs Jane Whittaker has been appointed as Guardian for TT.

There has been a history of Children's Service involvement with the family. TT's sister A was made subject to an emergency protection order on 30 th May, 2008, and then an interim care order on the 27 th June, 2008. Due to progress made by the parents proceedings were withdrawn on 13 th May, 2010. A was subsequently placed in the care of the maternal grandmother Mrs D, and a residence order granted in her favour on 28 th September, 2011.

TT was born in July 2010. The father (who does not have parental responsibility) assaulted TT on 18 th August, 2010. She was immediately removed to the care of the hospital, and then to foster carers on 27 th September, 2010 and she has remained in the care of foster parents since that date. The father was charged with grave and criminal assault on TT and pleaded guilty on 10 th December, 2010, and imprisoned consequently. He was released from prison on 18 th August, 2011.

On 15 th August, 2011, the Minister made an application for an interim care order; the reasons for that application are detailed in the social worker's first statement. At the time the parties opposed the minister's application but subsequently accepted that the criteria under Article 31 of the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 ("the Children's Law") had been met and an interim care order was required. The mother wished to be considered as a carer for TT and the father sought contact with her.

Following the granting of an interim care order on 28 th September, 2011, the assessment process for the parents commenced. However, on 16 th January, 2012, the mother confirmed to the social worker that she no longer wished to be considered as a carer for TT and consented to her being adopted.