Manisha Marwaha and Becky Jane instructed by a Local Authority before the High Court in a case concerning family placements abroad

Manisha Marwaha led Becky Jane in public law proceedings, transferred to the High Court, concerning a family placement abroad. Manisha and Becky represented and advised the Local Authority in respect of a proposed family placement on the south west coast of Africa. The placement was supported by family members in England however, the placement was further complicated as the same family members had also brought an ongoing asylum claim in respect of their home country. The authorities in the other jurisdiction had further shown initial reluctance to any social work assessment being undertaken.

Manisha and Becky advised on and addressed the relevant requirements for the international social work assessments relating to the family placement abroad as well as the questions for and consideration of the independent legal advice provided by an expert in a foreign jurisdiction. Further expertise relating to the process and significance of an asylum claim made in the UK was required.

The work undertaken by Manisha and Becky enabled the Court to be properly furnished with the required evidence, which adequately explored and ruled out the option of a placement abroad. Manisha and Becky were able to identify extensive difficulties with ongoing monitoring and contingency planning as well as other issues with any suggested parallel orders.