Enable Law recently acted for May*, an adoptive parent whose family was placed at significant risk after a serious data breach by a Local Authority. May, who had adopted two young children, learned that her address had been unlawfully disclosed to the children’s birth family – information that should have been handled with the highest level of confidentiality and care.
She was informed of the breach immediately and was told that the birth parent may already be on their way to her home. The impact was instant and deeply distressing, shaking the family’s sense of security and stability and leaving May urgently seeking reassurance and protection.
Early response and inadequate support
When May turned to the Local Authority for support, the response fell far short of what she needed. Instead of receiving safeguarding assistance, she was contacted by a solicitor acting on behalf of the authority and offered £1,500 in compensation, an amount that did not reflect the seriousness of the breach or the distress it caused.
Feeling unsupported and concerned for her children’s safety, May instructed Gary Walker, Partner and specialist in data protection at Enable Law.
Putting the family’s safety first
From the outset, Enable Law placed May’s and her children’s safety at the centre of the work. Gary Walker took time to understand what May needed to feel secure and to continue caring for her family safely. External experts, including a housing specialist, were instructed to assess the practical steps required to protect them following the breach.
Through detailed evidence‑gathering and firm negotiation, Gary Walker secured a just‑under‑six‑figure out‑of‑court settlement that recognised both the seriousness of the Local Authority’s failings and the long‑term impact on May’s family. This represented a substantial increase from the initial £1,500 offer made before May had legal representation, demonstrating the real value that specialist legal advice can bring. The outcome gives May the means to restore stability and put the protective measures her family needs in place for the future.
Why this case matters
Adoptive families place enormous trust in local authorities to protect their private information. Confidentiality is vital for maintaining safety and ensuring long‑term stability for adopted children. This case highlights how a single breach can undo years of progress and place families at real and immediate risk.
Enable Law continues to lead in cases involving data breaches, adoption safeguarding failures, and public authority negligence, ensuring that families receive the accountability and protection they deserve.
How we can help you
Adoption proceedings often involve very sensitive information that when disclosed to the birth family can be incredibly worrying for the adoptive family. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been the victim of an adoption data breach, we can help you. It is important that you get the support you need quickly to get your family in safety. To have a free, confidential discussion with a member of our team call us today on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form.
*name has been changed
