I thought a change of tack might be useful:
We have heard a great deal from JH on the plight of the "loving parents who have had their babies snatched from them, even snatched from the breast" would you believe......NOW let us talk a little of the children concerned, a matter on which JH is silent
What about the rights of the child to live in a safe and happy environment with parents who will meet all of his needs (both physical and emotional) in order that he can become a well adjusted adult and fulfil his potential in life.
Here are a few cases that spring to mind in which I have been involved over very many years in the field of child protection. I would state at this point that I am in no sense judging or even blaming the parents/step parents of these children, as they have all without exception experienced harsh treatment themselves as children, some have learning disabilities/mental health problems/ have been sexually abused as children and have no idea how to be "good-enough" parents.
JH I wonder could you comment on the following. It's quite simple - its's a Yes or No answer though you could elaborate if you wish:
A 3 year old boy and his 5 month old half sister live in a high rise flat with their mother (A) and mother's boyfriend (B) (he is not the biological father of either of the children) Both have learning disabilities and the boyfriend attended a special residential school for children who were (in the parlance of the day) educationally sub-normal. The school was closed down when it was found that the head teacher and the deputy were sexual abusing boys in their care. In addition there was "child on child abuse."
The health visitor is raising concerns about the family and reporting that A seems afraid of B and the 3yr old is pale and listless and the baby is not putting on weight. I visit the family on a twice weekly basis and I too have concerns. A is most certainly very wary of B. 3 year old is pale and listless but of even more concern he is "robotic" and is constantly looking at B in a way that suggests he is awaiting instruction. The baby in the pram lies still and fairly motionless.
On my next visit the 3 year old is not to be seen and I'm told he is "hibernating" in his bedroom. The child is sitting in a space between the end of his bed and the wall. He has bruising to the face. I pick him up and he is stiff in my arms. He has linear bruising to his face and neck and bruising in the ears. I ask what has happened. B gets agitated and leaves the flat. I ask A what has happened and she tells me B has hit the child because he won't call him daddy. I tell the mother I need the boy to be seen by a GP right away - she agrees to come with me. On the way she admits to being scared of B with whom she has only lived for a few months. She asks if we will "take the baby away as well" as B shakes her.
Later that day I obtain a Place of Safety Order on both children (now known as an EPO) and they are placed with foster carers. Both children are later adopted. B is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The couple split up. Later there is a contested adoption hearing by the mother and the Judge dispenses with her consent on the grounds that it is her consent is being unreasonably withheld.
A is in another relationship with a man much older than herself who is very well known to the Probation Service and has received a number of custodial sentences for aggravated burglary and theft.
OK sorry that was longer than I intended - so JH what is your reaction to this forced adoption
I'll make it easier for you : Was it the right thing for the children to be adopted against the mother's wishes: YES/NO?? Or of course you could elaborate.