Children removed from parents’ care because of their ‘open relationship’

Three children are to be removed from their family home after a judge ruled that their “open relationship” contributed to neglect.

A family court judge in the UK made the ruling based on the parents’ lifestyle and the impact it had on their young children, according to The Guardian.

The children, who are all under the age of five, will now be placed for adoption. 

The case came to light when social workers acting for Sandwell borough council in the UK’s Midlands made an application over a year ago after becoming concerned about the children. 

Officials described the parents’ relationship as “open”, although they have both denied this.

Judge Elizabeth Williscroft said:

“The father had his own lifestyle outside the family home which plainly included going clubbing until the early hours as well as being involved with other people,” she said.

“In respect of both parents, the court is not concerned about their private lives and how they will conduct them unless it impacts on the care of the children – which at this time was neglectful.”

She said of the mother: “It is plain some complete strangers have visited her house while the children were there to have sex with her.”

She added that the father didn’t see why the presence of strangers at the home was worrying or confusing for their children. 

She also said that the mother was found to be “parenting from the sofa”.

Judge Williscroft said she understood that each child had a loving relationship with the parents, but “has also been harmed by neglect and would be at risk of harm in their care.”
Neither the children or parents can be identified.