Anorexic teenager can be moved to specialist unit against her wishes, says judge
An anorexic teenager whose weight has dropped to four-and-a-half stone can be taken from home against her wishes and moved to a specialist unit, a judge has ruled.
Mr Justice Hayden heard that the girl, who lives with her mother, “turned away from the world” after her father died 18 months ago.
He said there is a “real risk” that she could die.
The judge analysed the case at a hearing in the Court of Protection, where issues relating to people who lack the mental capacity to take decisions are considered, in London on Tuesday.
He said the girl, who is in her late teens and lives in London, could not be identified in media reports of the case.
Council social services bosses with responsibility for her welfare had asked him to allow her to be moved from home.
Staff said the girl did not want to leave her mother.
But they said a move to a specialist unit, where experts could try to get her eating again, would be in her best interests.
Mr Justice Hayden heard evidence from social work staff and from the girl’s mother before authorising her removal.
Barrister Katie Scott, who represented the council involved, told the judge there is “extreme concern” about the girl.
“She now weighs something in the region of 30.8 kilograms, which is four-and-a-half stones,” said Mr Justice Hayden, in a ruling on the case.
“What we are dealing with here is a real risk of death.”
The judge added: “She has, during the course of the last 18 months, effectively turned away from the world.”
He said the council’s identification of what was in her best interests was “accurate”.
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