Scott Tuppen represented a mother who opposed the making of a Special Guardianship Order in the Family Court.

The child was initially removed from the care of the mother at the age of 2, due to the risk of violence posed by her now former partner.

In the 2 years since the child was removed from the care of the mother, the child had lived with the grandmother, who made the application to be appointed as the child’s special guardian. If granted, the mother’s parental responsibility would have been displaced, and the child would have gone to live permanently with the grandmother.

The court heard how the child’s mother had ended the abusive relationship which had caused the initial concerns and had worked hard over the 2-year period to rebuild her life and create a supportive loving home for her child.

The application was brought by the child’s grandmother, supported by local social services.

Scott Tuppen represented the mother on a pro-bono basis through the Bar Council’s pro-bono charity – Advocate.

Advocate’s Case Worker Alice Morley described the result as “a great success story” and “incredible news”.