England and Wales County Court (Family)

Her Honour Judge :

I am dealing today with an application by X Local Authority for care orders in respect of B, who was born on [DOB] and B, who was born on [DOB]. 

Proceedings were commenced by the Local Authority in respect of these children on 12th June 2009.  At that time, the proceedings also encompassed their three older half siblings.  The proceedings in relation to the older half siblings were concluded a little while ago, but they all are the subject of care orders and are placed in long term foster placements.

Further assessment of the mother as a potential carer for the two children I am now dealing with has continued.  I am delighted to say that all parties are agreed that the children should remain with their mother and her partner, Mr S, but subject to a care order to the Local Authority.  That may not be the outcome that was envisaged when these proceedings started, when there were considerable concerns about the mother’s ability to parent the five children.  But the mother (and this has already been said by Counsel on behalf of the Guardian) has worked very hard and co-operated with the Local Authority to improve her parenting skills to the extent that the children have been placed at home and it is the Local Authority’s plan that they should continue to be so placed. 

I add my commendations to the mother.  I think she has worked very hard.  She has co-operated with the Local Authority, taken on board advice which has been given and I am told she is putting that into effect and looking after the children very well with the support of her partner and indeed his family.

So I am pleased to make care orders which place the children in the care of the Local Authority, but with the care plan that they remain at home as they are currently.