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December 18th, 2002.
A couple who claimed that they had adopted a "wild child" and that the council concerned failed to disclose a history of
"uncontrollable and vicious" behaviour that was "beyond the wildest imagination" of inexperienced adopters, have won their
case in the High Court.
During an earlier hearing in London the court had heard of children being attacked at a birthday party, of the adoptive mother being assaulted while on holiday and
needing to be treated in hospital. They were also told that when the adoptive mother was pregnant, that the child made threats to kill the unborn child, and of a catalogue of
damage to their property that was not covered by insurance.
The child concerned was adopted at the age of five, seven years ago. He is currently in a children's home but is still supported by his adoptive father. (BBC News)
The couple sought damages for personal injury, loss of income, and damage to property. They claimed that the council was
negligent in failing to disclose information about the child and his history, prior to adoption.
Earlier the council claimed that it could not have forseen what happened and that to impose a duty of care would have the effect of deterring adoption agencies from
making placements.
The judgement may be subject to appeal.
Most would agree that failing to provide prospective adopters with anything less than the fullest information about a child is a serious error.
Such a practice can only increase the likelihood of an adoption breaking down, a real catastrophe for any child and any adopter. The "bad press" concerning this
case can only serve to make it even more difficult for agencies to find families for children.
See article concerning earlier hearing -
Guardian Article
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