A recent court case—Re BM (Children: Tracking Devices)—looked at whether parents can secretly track their children who are in foster care. The answer was a firm no.
In this case, two children were living with foster carers while the court decided whether they could safely return to their parents. But the carers found hidden tracking devices sewn into the children’s toys and bags. These devices were bought and placed there by the parents.
The mother said she did it alone, claiming she was worried about bruises on the children. The father denied knowing anything about it. But the judge didn’t believe either of them. He said both parents were involved, and the real reason was likely to keep tabs on the children’s location—possibly to try and take them back without permission.
The judge made it clear: secretly tracking children in care is not just inappropriate—it’s dangerous. It breaks trust with professionals and can seriously harm a parent’s chances of getting their children back.
Why This Matters
- If you’re involved in care proceedings, working with professionals is key. Secret surveillance will only make things worse.
- Technology like tracking devices might seem harmless, but using it without permission—especially in a legal case—can backfire badly.
- Courts will always put children’s safety first. Any action that looks like a threat to that safety will be taken seriously.
This case is a reminder that even one poor decision can undo months of progress. If you’re a parent in proceedings, honesty and cooperation are your best tools—not hidden gadgets.