A baby was taken from his parents due to their drug problems. They got help, became clean, and the baby went back home. The judge made a supervision order to help them keep it up.
Key Facts
- •Care proceedings were issued for C, a baby born on 22 June 2023, due to the parents' history of substance misuse.
- •Both parents have a history of substance misuse and other complex needs.
- •An interim care order was made on 23 June 2023, placing C in foster care.
- •The parents engaged with the Family Drugs and Alcohol Court (FDAC) programme.
- •The parents achieved abstinence from non-prescription drugs and engaged in therapeutic work.
- •C returned to his parents' care on 11 December 2023.
- •The local authority proposed a Supervision Order.
Legal Principles
The welfare of the child is paramount.
Children Act 1989
Any order must be necessary and proportionate.
Article 8 ECHR
Consideration of the child's Article 8 rights and the parents' Article 8 rights.
Article 8 ECHR
Outcomes
A Supervision Order was made for 12 months.
The parents had made significant progress in addressing their substance misuse and other issues, and C was thriving in their care. A supervision order was deemed a necessary and proportionate response to ensure ongoing support and monitoring.