Effect of long-term removal

In re M (children) (interim care order) [2005] EWCA Civ 1594; [2005] All ER (D) 50 (Nov)

Interim care orders were made in relation to the four youngest of the parents’ six children. The local authority removed the youngest child (R), who was two years old, but was unable to remove the older three children who either refused or absconded when removed. The children’s guardian gave evidence that the household was volatile and that R was at risk of physical and verbal abuse from which she could not protect herself. The judge upheld the continued retention of R in foster care, despite knowing that it would be impossible to fix a final hearing for a further 10 months.