London Borough of Lewisham v SL & Anor [2025] EWCOP 51 (T3)

Best interests judgment concerning a placement and living arrangements for  SL

SL lives with her parents, DL and TL, and is a highly vulnerable young woman who regularly absconds and is at risk of sexual abuse when she does so. In the light of these risks, and the strains they put on the parents, the LA had been seeking an alternative placement. However this search was causing stress to SL and the parents favoured a six month pause. Initially that was opposed by the LA but by the time of this hearing it was agreed this was the best option.

Theis J, the Vice President therefore agrees the plan, though noting it is not without risk. At [47] she also makes some observations as to how the search for a more permanent placement could be undertaken.

Read the judgment on Bailii