Matthew Brookes-Baker in J, K and L (Application for Non-Agency Adoptions) [2025] EWFC 157 (B)
27th Jun 2025 | Cases
Matthew Brookes-Baker, instructed by Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne, represented the applicant prospective adopters in J, K and L (Application for Non-Agency Adoptions) [2025] EWFC 157 (B); an application by foster carers to adopt three children subject to care and placement orders.
Three siblings, previously neglected, were placed with foster carers who hoped to adopt them. Despite initial progress, repeated concerns were raised about the carers’ behaviour management, including reports of shouting and physical chastisement. After multiple investigations and delays, the local authority ultimately supported long-term fostering over adoption, citing stability concerns.
In March 2024, the applicants sought adoption orders despite losing agency support. In October, allegations led to the children’s removal. By the time of this hearing the local authority and guardian now opposed adoption, seeking revocation of placement orders. The birth parents also opposed adoption orders being granted.
The court carefully considered over 2,000 pages of documents and heard evidence from key professionals. The children wanted to remain with the applicants and the court accepted that the applicants loved the children and were committed to them, but concerns remained about their ability to parent therapeutically, reflect on issues raised, and adapt to meet the children’s complex emotional and behavioural needs.
Ultimately the court concluded that adoption by the applicants, while offering love, stability, and lifelong family ties, also posed risks due to unmet therapeutic needs, reduced professional support, and severed birth family links. The court found long-term foster care better met the children’s complex needs and declined to make adoption orders at this time.
