I advocated for the 64-year-old maternal grandmother (“MGM”) of an 11-year-old. The LA sought placement with the paternal grandparents due to the MGM’s regular Class A drug use (speedballing heroin and cocaine). The mother had serious drug misuse problems and supported her son’s placement with the MGM. The MGM gave clear and thoughtful evidence and accepted dishonesty about previous Class A drug use over a long period.

• I successfully argued not all Class A drug users are the same, this MGM’s parenting was good, she did school runs, attended all school meetings and there was no evidence of harm.
• In a 6-day final hearing, I convinced the court that she was a good enough carer to care for her 11-year-old grandson, with a Special Guardianship Order in her favour.

The LA were represented by Tahmina Rahman, M by Garfield Braithwaite, F by Olivia Bliss and C, through his Guardian, by Gemma Neath.