Local Authority Support for Parent with a Learning Disability

Emma Harman, barrister of 3PB, explains the important lessons that can be learned from A Local Authority v G (Parent with Learning Disability) [2017] EWFC B94 .

The local authority in this case was heavily criticised for its lack of appropriate support provided to the mother in view of her learning disability needs. It was found that the local authority and the adult learning disability team had let the mother down by their failure to follow the Good Practice Guidance on Working with Parents with a Learning Disability (updated September 2016) DoH/DfES and consequently had failed to provide her with timely and appropriately tailored training.

The local authority was found not to have given the mother a fair and appropriate opportunity to be able to improve her parenting skills and this put her at a significant disadvantage compared to parents without learning disability. It was also found that the father had been over-burdened as a result of expectations that he should support the mother – this having impacted on his ability to care for the children.

Read full piece at source: Parents with Learning Disabilities and a Local Authority’s Responsibilities

Related reading

A Local Authority v G (Parent with Learning Disability) [2017] EWFC B94 .

Good Practice Guidance on Working with Parents with a Learning Disability 

Public Law Clients with Learning Disabilities – Bridging the Gap