Simon Miller and Alana Hughes in Re D (Children: Interim Care Order: Hair Strand Testing) [2024] EWCA Civ 498

Simon Miller led Alana Hughes in the above case, they represented the local authority. 

‘This appeal has brought into focus once again the science of hair strand drug testing – its evidential value in context, its inherent reliability, and its limitations’. 

Paragraph 46 onwards sets out the court’s approach to hair strand testing and considers, and approves, LB Islington [2017] (Hayden J) and Re H (Jackson J). 

Lord Justice Peter Jackson in paragraphs 66 to 69 stresses ‘orders for interim removal are only made when the exacting legal test is satisfied’ and the importance of both the social worker and the Guardian speaking to a 13 year old about her wishes and feelings.

Featured in Local Government Lawyer.

To read the full published judgment click the link.

Related areas

• Public Law Appeals
• Care Proceedings