“Perhaps the most contentious matter is the question of his social media and internet access.” But who is the decision-maker? – Promoting Open Justice in the Court of Protection

By Daniel Clark, Eleanor Tallon, and Heather Walton, 24th July 2025

“The case concerns a young autistic man residing in a supported living setting, and proceedings have been ongoing. The real issues between the parties, as I understood them, are in relation to his care and support and whether the current package is appropriate. Perhaps the most contentious matter is the question of his social media and internet access. An outstanding matter is the Deprivation of Liberty and whether this should be authorised going forward.”

That’s how District Judge Clarke summarised this case (COP 13261362) at a hearing on Monday 14^th July 2025. At this stage, the proceedings had been ongoing for over 15 months, and look set to continue until at least October 2025.

DJ Clarke has overseen this case for the majority of the time it has been in court. She sits at First Avenue House, in London.

“Perhaps the most contentious matter is the question of his social media and internet access.”  But who is the decision-maker? – Promoting Open Justice in the Court of Protection