Poonam Bhari represents mother in complex case of court mandated care order

29th November 2022

3PB Barristers’ (3 Paper Buildings) specialist family law barrister Poonam BhariPoonam BhariCall: 1999 (pictured here), has expertly represented a mother in a complex case relating to welfare decision. The case of Oxfordshire County Council v A Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 141 involved a 15-year-old (identified as C) who, under s. 20 Children Act 1989, was accommodated by the local authority from the age of 12, with consent of the parents.

The court was to decide whether the long-term / permanent placement of C by the local authority should be secured though a return to the pre-proceedings situation of accommodation with the consent of the parents under s.20, or by way of a care order to the local authority. C accepted long-term placement but strongly opposed the enforcing of a care order; this position was supported by the mother, who was represented by Poonam.

HHJ Vincent acknowledges in her judgment that while she understood that C’s mother “would only try to make decisions in his best interests [and] has a very good understanding of his needs”, it was ultimately concluded that it was in C’s best interests for a care order to be put in place for a number of practical reasons. These included C’s complex emotional and behaviour needs, as well as C’s situation under s.20 being more uncertain after turning 16 years old.

Poonam Bhari is an experienced advocate in complex Court of Protection matters and has expertise in mental capacity and mental health law. To contact or instruct Poonam, please contact her clerk Dan Tidnam or call 020 7583 8055.