H-N (A Child : The Welfare Hearing)

MR C. HAMES KC and MS C. KUMAR (instructed by Goodman Ray Solicitors LLP) appeared on behalf of the First Respondent.

MR S. ASHWORTH (instructed by Creighton & Partners Solicitors) appeared on behalf of the Guardian.

                    This is the final hearing in the long‑running proceedings concerning a little boy called HN, who is now aged six.� I gave detailed judgment following a fact‑finding hearing last year which gives the background to the proceedings and to the family, and I am not going to repeat it.� I have reread it for this week�s hearing.�

                    The guardian has found this a very difficult case, in part because she was unable to make a real connection with HN and because she could see grave risks for HN�s well‑being, whichever option the court decides on.� The particular issue that is concerned with here is whether, whichever parent HN resides with, can that parent promote a positive image of the other parent to HN and ensure regular and meaningful staying contact takes place?

                I am going to go through the professional evidence in some detail, the parents� evidence in less detail.� This is because the professional input has been the most important and helpful both to my decision making but I think to the family going forward if they follow the advice and analysis contained in it. The parents� evidence has generally not told me much I did not already know.�