The Father v Worcestershire County Council

Subject Matter

CHILDREN — Care proceedings — Deprivation of liberty — Children in care of local authority not detained or deprived of liberty — Parent applying for release of children by issuing writ of habeas corpus — Whether children “detained” — Whether habeas corpus appropriate procedure to challenge care order — Children Act 1989 (c 41), ss 33, 39 — FPR Pt 30, PD 30A

[2025] UKSC 1; [2025] 2 WLR 155; [2025] 2 All ER 375; [2025] 1 FLR 962; [2025] WLR(D) 64, SC(E)

CHILDREN — Care order — Deprivation of liberty — Care order placing children into long-term foster care — Father applying for writ of habeas corpus in respect of children — Whether writ lying — Whether children detained — Whether habeas corpus appropriate procedure to challenge care order — Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (c 42), s 31K — Children Act 1989 (c 41), ss 31, 33, 39

[2025] UKSC 1; [2025] 2 WLR 155; [2025] 2 All ER 375; [2025] 1 FLR 962; [2025] WLR(D) 64, SC(E)

Appellate History

Commentary

Local Government Lawyer
Court of Appeal finds Family Division judge failed to adhere to “fundamental principle” of justice being seen to be done Case comment