Closed petition Stop courts being able to grant care orders based on risk of future suffering

Closed on 20 November 2021

Courts should not be able to grant care orders removing children from homes based on the risk of future suffering. Care orders should only be granted where there is clear evidence of actual suffering. The current system is disgrace.

Far too often families within the UK have their children removed based on judgements by social workers and the courts that a child is likely to suffer harm in the future. Unless there is sufficient and factual evidence to suggest that a child has suffered harm then how can a court justify removing children? In order to convict someone of a criminal offence, guilt must be established beyond reasonable doubt. The same should apply to care orders.

Current rules are an absolute disgrace and need to be changed.