Mabens and Camber and Anor (No.2)

This case involved a dispute concerning the parenting arrangements for a child, Child X, between the child's mother, father, and maternal grandmother. The proceedings were before Judge Altobelli. The central issues revolved around the mother's drug use and an inappropriate relationship, which raised concerns about the risk of harm to the child, and how to best ensure the child's welfare and development.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders, considering the risks identified and the best interests of Child X. This included deciding on parental responsibility for medical decisions, the child's living arrangements, and the time the child would spend with each parent and the grandmother. The court also had to address issues of communication, medication administration, and injunctions to protect the child from denigration and exposure to harmful influences.

In reaching its decision, the court applied the paramount principle that the best interests of the child are the sole consideration. Judge Altobelli made detailed orders, including granting the maternal grandmother sole parental responsibility for medical decisions and ordering that the child live with the maternal grandmother. The father was granted specific time with the child, subject to various conditions, including being restrained from making medical decisions and administering medication except in limited circumstances. The court also imposed injunctions restraining denigration, drug use in the child's presence, and contact with the mother's partner, and mandated participation in counselling and parenting programs.