David Blythin, instructed by Barbara Crawford of Jacobs Solicitors, successfully represented a mother in a fully contested final hearing lasting 4 days at Liverpool County Court.
The Local Authority initiated care proceedings over a year ago, and had a plan for the child to be adopted. The Local Authority was of the view that the mother’s mental illness was such that she could not safely parent her child. However, it was argued that if she complied with a strict medical regime, the mother was not only capable of leading a fulfilling life, but could provide parenting of a high standard. The Judge agreed and refused to sanction the child’s adoption, instead ordering that the mother be further assessed, with a view to the child being rehabilitated to the mother care.