Re N (Refusal of Placement Order)
[2023] EWCA Civ 364 · Court of Appeal
What happened: The judgment records that the children’s mother entered care aged two, was adopted aged six and was adopted again after the first adoption broke down. Her second adoptive mother physically and emotionally abused her. These experiences informed her opposition to adoption for her own children.
What the court decided: The Court of Appeal dismissed the local authority’s appeal against refusal of a placement order for her younger daughter. Long-term fostering remained the plan, with preserving the relationship between the sisters central to the decision.
Why it matters to adoptees: The case documents repeat adoption and harm within an adoptive home. It also recognises the importance of sibling relationships when deciding a child’s future. The mother’s history helps explain her position; it was not the legal basis on its own for refusing adoption.
Review limitations recorded
No exhaustive later treatment review; see source and review limitations.
Limitations: The second adoption is recorded background, not an order made or reviewed in these proceedings. Original adoption judgments and dates are not available here. Indexed primary judgment checked; no exhaustive later treatment review.
Case details and sources
Adoptee involvement: The mother’s opposition to adoption is recorded. Her childhood experience must not be attributed to her daughters.
Remedy sought: Placement order refused; local authority appeal dismissed.
Legal route: Appeal against refusal of placement order
Judgments in this case
- [2023] EWCA Civ 364 · Court of Appeal · 2023-04-05 · Principal judgment
Sources checked
- Judgment (opens in a new tab)
Paragraphs 2–7 and 30–37 · Judgment
Review scope: Facts, outcome and adoptee relevance checked against the listed judgment passages. The second adoption is recorded background, not an order made or reviewed in these proceedings. Original adoption judgments and dates are not available here. Indexed primary judgment checked; no exhaustive later treatment review.
Human verification pending. Entry: CASE-NEW-047.