Local authorities don’t always make the right decision.

Human rights laws hold them to account and put families first.

Steven has a severe learning disability and requires substantial care from his dad, Mark. When Mark became ill, it was agreed that Steven would go into temporary care to help out while his father recovered. It was only meant to be a short stay.

But Steven wasn’t happy and wanted to go home. Even though Mark was better and wanted his son to come home, the council refused to reunite Steven and his dad.

After a year of fighting for his son, Mark finally won and the court concluded that the council had breached Steven’s human rights by keeping him away from his dad.