Judge decides mother cannot be told her estranged child has cancer

A judge has ruled to “keep the door closed” on a mother who has not been told her estranged teenage child has cancer.

Mr Justice Hayden said a ban on informing the youngster’s mother of her child’s condition, imposed at the High Court in London in June, should continue.

At a review hearing on Monday, Mr Justice Hayden, sitting at the High Court in Liverpool, decided the information ban should continue.

The court heard the child is having intensive treatment for cancer and while he has been very poorly, the treatment is working and the child now looks “amazing”.

The youngster, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Council social services bosses with responsibility for the youngster’s welfare had asked Mr Justice Hayden to impose the information ban in June.

The youngster lived with another family member and mother and child had been estranged for several years, they told the judge.

They said the teenager’s father was aware, but the youngster was adamant that the woman should be kept in the dark.

The judge had ruled that council staff should not tell the mother about her child’s condition and teachers at the youngster’s school would also be released from any obligation to pass on information.

Mr Justice Hayden said he had taken into account the woman’s parental rights and the teenager’s human right to respect for privacy before reaching his decision.

He said the woman had parental responsibility for the child and might have to be told in the long run – but not yet.

The judge added: “My view is to keep the door completely closed for as long as I can.

“The youngster is absolutely clear about what he wants, and what he wants is stability and security during this process.

“He needs to concentrate on his treatment, 100% focus.”

Mr Justice Hayden imposed limitations on what can be reported about the case to protect the youngster.

He ruled that his decision could be reported, but said nothing should be revealed which might identify the teenager including the name, age, gender or geography or where the family live.

_{Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2018, All Rights Reserved.}