Nick Goodwin KC and Jonathan Sampson KC in A (A Child) [2025] EWCA Civ 424
12th May 2025 | Cases
Nick Goodwin KC was instructed by the Appellant Local Authority and Jonathan Sampson KC, leading Rachael Banks, represented the Third Respondent maternal grandmother in A (A Child) [2025] EWCA Civ 424; an appeal by a local authority against the dismissal of an application for a placement order.
The Court of Appeal considered the local authority’s appeal against the dismissal of its application for a placement order concerning a child, P. The judge at first instance had determined that P was thriving under the care of her maternal grandmother (MGM), with whom she shared a strong bond. The judge criticised the local authority’s assessments of the MGM’s caregiving abilities, emphasising the need for thorough and objective evaluations. Concluding that the risks identified did not justify the drastic measure of adoption, the judge favoured P remaining with the MGM under a care order. The local authority’s appeal was dismissed, reaffirming the principle that adoption should only be pursued when absolutely necessary and highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessments in care proceedings.
