UK: Student with schizophrenia must have son adopted

“A student with a history of severe mental illness has been told by a family court judge that her toddler son must be adopted.

The woman, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was starting a degree in sociology and social policy at a university, Judge Marcia Levy heard.

A psychiatrist said if the woman took medication and cooperated with a psychiatric treatment team then the impact on her ability to care for a child would be minimal. But Levy concluded that adoption was necessary to “safeguard” the one-year-old.

Details of the case have emerged in a ruling by Levy after a hearing at a family court in London.

The judge said the woman and child could not be identified. But she said the north London borough of Barnet had launched the proceedings.

The psychiatrist had told Levy the woman had made a “very good response” to medication.

Levy said the woman had written a “very moving letter”, saying she would be “heartbroken” if her son was put up for adoption and promising to work with social services staff in “every way needed”.

But an independent social worker had told the judge that the “potential costs” for the little boy were “too great” if the woman was given the opportunity to see if she could care for him.

Levy eventually decided that the “risks were too great”. “I have to consider (the little boy’s) needs,” she said. “Sadly, I conclude that adoption is the only option which will safeguard (him) and provide for his needs.””

Student with schizophrenia must have son adopted[The Guardian 11/3/14 by Press Association]

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