This matter concerned a final hearing of the local authority’s application regarding four children, namely care orders for SH, SA and SI, and care and placement orders for A. The final hearing took place across 5 days on 6th-10th March 2023 (“the 2023 proceedings”).

The mother, S, was unrepresented by choice. She did not attend the hearing or judgement despite wishing to challenge the evidence and asserting that threshold had not been crossed. S had limited engagement with professionals throughout the proceedings and, on 2nd March 2023, had even set out her intention not to attend the final hearing.

Link to write up – https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/judgments/s-v-birmingham-city-council-others-2024-ewfc-244-b/