E, A & N, Re (Contested Adoption)

Ms Anne-Marie Glover (instructed by Morrison Spowart Solicitors ) for the Second Respondent

Ms Gemma Neath (instructed by Creighton Solicitors ) for the Third to Fifth Respondents

                This final hearing proceeds under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. I am asked by the separate and respective applicants to make final adoption orders in relation to the children, E, A and N. The applicants are supported in this application by the relevant local authority, the London Borough of Ealing, and by the children�s guardian. The applications are opposed by the children�s mother.

                In reaching my decision I have regard to; (i) the documents contained within my digital bundle [1] ; (ii) the live evidence of Dr Katherine Craib (psychologist); Ms Ana Tamasan (ISW); Ms Victoria Mitchell (social worker for A&N); Ms Thelma Udott (social worker for E); the mother�s partner; the mother, and; Ms Kathy Diamond (Guardian), and; (iii) both the written opening position documents and oral closing submissions for each party.

                This final hearing took place over three days by entirely remote means. The mother had the support of an interpreter if required and her partner gave evidence using the interpreter. Subject to limited issues the hearing proceeded without issue and I am confident I have a full appreciation of each party�s case and the evidence they would want me to have in mind in reaching this very difficult decision.