Specialist Children Law barrister, Justin Gray's article entitled 'What to do about the Re C problem?' has been featured in Local Government Lawyer (LGL).
English local authorities continue to seek to place looked after children in Scotland's growing number of residential homes, both on a short-term and now a more permanent basis. In turn, there are now an increasing number of final care plans before the Family Court setting out intentions to use Scottish resources for long-term arrangements.
These often complex cases bring the question of whether English local authorities need to obtain Court approval for the child to live outside their jurisdiction, and to obtain consents pursuant to the Children Act 1989 Schedule II paragraph 19(1). This in turn can raise the problem of the decision in Re C (A Child) (Care order) [2019] EWCA Civ 1714.
In his latest LGL article on this continually evolving area, Justin discusses solutions to the risk of children being able to veto their own care plans for long-term living arrangements in Scotland against the backdrop of Re C. In turn, drawing on his ongoing and recent instructions in this specialist area, Justin explores the implications for English local authorities.
The full article can be found here.
Justin is regularly recognised in the leading legal directories, recent entries include:
"Justin’s advocacy is second-to-none. He has a lovely manner with witnesses, and his advocacy style ensures that the right questions are answered, but his non-confrontational way in delivering garners significant favour from the judges."
Legal 500 2025
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Chambers & Partners 2025