Two brothers were taken from their parents because of domestic violence. A special court helped the mom get better, and now the kids are back home with her. The dad will see them sometimes, too, but under supervision.
Key Facts
- •Public law proceedings concerning two brothers, C (8) and D (5), due to domestic abuse and neglect.
- •Long-standing Children's Services involvement due to domestic violence between parents and neglect.
- •Children taken into police protection due to parental conflict and home damage.
- •Case allocated to the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) despite minimal substance misuse issues.
- •FDAC's multidisciplinary approach included parenting assessments, psychological assessments, and support groups.
- •Mother made significant progress and children were successfully returned to her care under a transition plan.
- •Final orders involved a 12-month supervision order for the mother, with a plan for supervised contact with the father.
Legal Principles
Threshold criteria must be met before making a public law order.
Children Act 1989
The welfare of the child is paramount.
Children Act 1989, Section 1
Outcomes
Children to live with their mother.
Reflects the children's welfare interests.
12-month supervision order for London Borough B.
Necessary, proportionate, and reasonable response to circumstances.
Fortnightly supervised contact with father for four months, followed by review.
Reflects the boys' interests; flexibility afforded by recorded intentions.