Re EC (Guildford FC) [2020] Recorder Bedingfield

I represented the mother of 3 children contesting their interim immediate removal into foster care. The LA and Guardian sought removal due to emotional harm. The Guardian gave evidence that the harm was “drip, drip, drip”. The oldest child had exhibited very concerning behaviour at school.

• At the 3-day contested, interim hearing, the Judge accepted my submissions that it was not possible to say the children’s safety required immediate removal because there was no evidence before the Court as to what had caused their behaviour.
• The Court made a CAO to the mother’s parents, avoiding interim foster care.

Sylvester McIlwain was for the LA, Claire Shrimpton for F, Bernard Limbrey for the MGPs, Charmaine Wilson for the children

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