This was an appeal against final care orders made in respect of three children aged 16, 14 and 12 respectively, at an adjourned Issues Resolution Hearing (“IRH”) .

The issue was whether the judge was wrong in the procedure he adopted to make the substantive orders at the IRH, in particular, in circumstances where two of the children were not represented. The appeal was allowed.

Janet Bazley QC appeared for the Appellant.

Andrew Bagchi QC and Gemma Kelly appeared for the he 1st Respondent.

Sarah Morgan QC and Lucy Sprinz appeared for the 2nd Respondent.

Deirdre Fottrell QC and Sharon Segal appeared for the Intervener, The Association of Lawyers for Children.