‘As a result, [A] stepped into the shoes of a parents and de facto adopted the children until she was forced to leave [Country X]…The children have been deeply missing [A], whom they call ‘mum’
‘The provision of a range of adoption support services is a crucial element of the statutory framework introduced by the Act. This is based on the recognition that adoptive children and their families are likely to have a range of additional needs.’
‘Under section 3(3)(b) of the Act, local authorities have discretion to extend services topersons other than those to whom services must be extended. This means that, for example,services to prevent disruption could be provided to a non-agency adoptive child, andfinancial support could be provided if the local authority considered this appropriate.’
‘The people who are entitled on request to an assessment of their need for adoption supportservices are set out in section 4(1) of the Act and ASR 13. As explained in paragraph 6, ASR4 limits the local authority’s duty in this respect to an assessment of need for support servicesof the kind to which each category of person is entitled. Local authorities have discretionunder section 4(2) of the Act to undertake an assessment for other persons or in othercircumstances if they think it appropriate.’
‘Through assessment and observation and discussion, Early help and other professionalshave been able to identify that [A] is very able in meeting all the needs of all thechildren. [A] has listened and acted on advice and support given by agencies, leaving hernow able to navigate services that can help the family. From day one all the children havecalled [A] Mum, they like to help her, write her cards and buy her gifts to show how muchthey love her. The children all treat each other with love and respect, having normal ups anddowns as all siblings have.’
‘Following the death of the children’s mother [A] and her grandmother cared for them.[A] states that [C] was subject to sexual assault in [Country X] which has impacted on heremotional and psychological state, and she requires therapeutic support. [B] has receivedan assessment for his health and developmental issues and is attending a special school.[D] bears the scars from the burns, her right ear is partly missing, and she has mid to lowhearing loss, some of her hair is also missing. There is scarring on her right arm which hascaused her movement difficulties as the skin can tear. She is awaiting plastic surgery and Iunderstand was also subject to an attempted sexual assault in [Country X].’ ‘[A] has been steadfast in her desire to care for her nieces and nephew, despite allthe trauma and challenges she has experienced in her own life. She is an impressive youngwoman who has provided a high standard of care for the children in difficult circumstances.She has been proactive in obtaining support and implementing the advice given. She clearlyloves the children and is assiduous in ensuring that they attend all their appointments andreceived the support they require.’
‘The trauma they have experienced is well documented and [A] has been admirablein the manner in which she has prioritised the children’s needs. They are now in a homewhere they are well loved and with a care giver who is providing attuned parenting. Adoptionby [A] affords the children the opportunity to have a nurturing, reparative base,therefore, the risk of them suffering further harm is greatly reduced.’