Family Court Care Order Expert Witness Insight: Five Children Removed from Parental Care in Sheffield Safeguarding Judgment

Landmark Sheffield Ruling Highlights Family Court's Duty to Protect Children

The Family Court at Sheffield has delivered a landmark decision in Sheffield City Council v The Mother & The Father & Ors [2025] EWFC 116 (B), involving the removal of five children from the care of their parents due to sustained exposure to domestic violence, emotional abuse, and chronic neglect. This ruling serves as a clear affirmation of the court’s duty to prioritise child welfare, even against complex familial bonds.

Symbolising trust and vulnerability, this image underscores the importance of safeguarding decisions in child welfare cases.

Background of the Case

This case was brought by Sheffield City Council after long-term concerns about the wellbeing of five children aged between 3 and 14. Despite prior interventions, the children continued to suffer from:

• Emotional harm from witnessing domestic abuse.

• Neglect of hygiene, nutrition, and schooling.

• One child (Child C) presenting with unexplained bruising, prompting specialist paediatric investigation.

  
  

Over time, the children's emotional development deteriorated, leading to heightened concerns from teachers, social workers, and medical professionals.

Chronology of Key Events

• Early 2024: Bruising observed on Child C. Medical evidence suggested it could not be explained by natural causes, triggering court involvement.

• March–April 2025: An eight-day composite final hearing heard testimony from teachers, social workers, expert witnesses, and both parents.

• 1 May 2025: Judgment delivered. The court found that all five children were at continuing risk of significant harm and issued final care and placement orders.

The family court’s role is central in making life-changing decisions to protect children at risk.

Court’s Findings

His Honour Judge Marson found:

• Long-term neglect of basic and emotional needs.

• Parental minimisation of domestic violence, with the father described as volatile and the mother as lacking insight.

• Evidence of trauma in all children, especially Child C, who became visibly distressed by parental contact.

The judge applied the Children Act 1989, section 31(2) threshold, confirming that the standard of care fell well below what a reasonable parent would provide.

A quiet moment reflecting the complexity of safeguarding decisions in family court proceedings.

Final Orders Made

• Child A (14) and Child B (12): Long-term foster placement together, with structured sibling and parental contact.

• Child C (7): Separate therapeutic foster care, minimal contact initially to aid recovery.

• Child D (4) and Child E (3): Approved for adoption outside the birth family due to age and level of risk.

Expert Witness Reflections on Family Court Care Order Proceedings

This case relied heavily on timely and credible family court care order expert witness evidence, particularly in paediatrics and clinical psychology, to inform the court’s risk assessments and care planning. The court relied on detailed assessments from paediatricians and clinical psychologists to evaluate the ongoing risk of harm to each child. Their expert opinions, presented with clarity and independence, directly informed the court’s care planning and final orders.

At Apex Experts, we are committed to assisting legal teams and local authorities with high-quality, evidence-based expertise. Our specialist reports help ensure that children’s voices are accurately represented and that safeguarding decisions are grounded in clear, credible professional opinion.