R (on the application of W) v Brent London Borough Council

The claimant had a history of mental instability and drug addition, but claimed to have been drug-free for over a year.  She was the mother of J, the second youngest of four children, who was put on the child protection register before she was born.

In September 2008, care and placement orders were made in connection with J.  The plan was for J to be adopted.  Family-finding activities commenced and continued in late 2008 and the first half of 2009.  In July 2009, the claimant was informed that prospective adopters had been found for J.  On 3 August, the Adoption and Permanency Panel (the panel) approved the match with the prospective adopters and, on 17 August, the agency decision-maker, the Assistant Director of Social Care, approved the panel's decision.  Also on that date, a series of introductory meetings between J and her prospective adopters commenced.

In the event, it was decided that J should move in permanently with the prospective adopters on 24 August - the original intention was for J to move in on 21 August - as that would be in J's best interests.