Acting for mother in care proceedings

Care proceedings in respect of two young children aged 22 months and 1 week. Older child already placed with maternal grandmothers under s.20 accommodation. Baby was initially placed within extended family  following grant of EPO after birth but the placement broke down.

Threshold concerns relate to: domestic abuse/conflict, mental health issues (both parents), father’s drug use, neglectful ante natal care and no stable accommodation.

Parents wished to be placed together in parent and child placement. Mother unable to cope on her own.

Interim CAO made in respect of older child, ICO made in respect of baby. Proceedings are ongoing and listed for CMH.