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Judge rejects plan to place Charedi teen in non-Jewish care home
High Court judge said plan would cause 'significant interference' with boy's religious freedom
March 7, 2021 13:20
High Court judge said plan would cause 'significant interference' with boy's religious freedom
March 7, 2021 13:20A High Court judge has ruled that a plan to place a disabled Charedi teenager in a non-Jewish care home would breach the boy’s human rights.
Family of the teen, referred to as “A” in the proceedings, had requested he be sent to a Jewish facility in London that could meet his religious requirements.
But, according to a BBC report, Manchester City Council offered a local placement along with a care plan that would enable the teen to “manifest his faith as far as was considered practicable".
The council also reportedly objected to the London proposal due to the limitations it would place on the boy seeing his family.
And although the council’s plan did offer a kosher meals provision, it would only allow for a mashgiach (supervisor) to oversee meals on Shabbat.
Judge Stephen Davies said: "It is plain that there would be significant interference with A's religious freedom and his family and private life.
"It cannot be necessary for the protection of A's health or that of his family that he must attend [the Manchester home] and suffer these significant restrictions, when there are alternatives - such as his attending [the London home] instead or through the provision of support staff at home."
The council was approached for comment.
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