X and Y (Children: Care and Placement), Re

Angela Gaff solicitor advocate from Covent Garden Family Law ) for the Second Respondent

                  The father did not attend the final hearing nor provide final evidence. He is Y's father only although he has played a significant role in X's life. X's father has played no role in his life or in these proceedings.

                  I have considered all the information placed before me whether I refer to it within this judgment or not. This includes the papers in the final hearing bundle, the live evidence of the witnesses who appeared before me, and both the documents and oral submissions provided by each advocate (not including the intervenor).

                  I have provided a headline summary as annex 1 to this judgment to assist the mother and at the suggestion of the intermediary assessor. To the extent that document differs from this judgment this judgment should be preferred. I intend to do my best to keep this judgment focused to assist all parties and deal only with those matters and aspects which require determination to fairly dispose of this application.

                  The central issue is where the children should be placed. Should this be with the mother (and likely under a supervision order in favour of the LA), into long term foster care ("LTFC") or under a placement order with a plan of adoption?