A transgender teen from Leicestershire, who cut off all communications lines with his parents, will receive thousands of pounds in preparation after an official at Leicestershire County Council 'accidentally' revealed his transgender status and male forename to friends of his adoptive parents, breaching the court ruling. Now the official has to pay the teen £4,750 in compensation for the damages the council official has done.
PD was born female. She was adopted at the age of six. When she turned 15, she told her adoptive parents that she wanted to change her identity to that of a male. The teen's parents did not like the idea and have "struggled to come to terms with the teen's decision," as per what the court has heard, later on, the Parent Herald has learned. This led to the teen's total disengagement with his parents.
PD was sent to Tavistock Gender Identity Clinic in London, for a disorder called "gender identity disorder." NHS defined gender identity disorder as a condition where an individual experiences distress or discomfort because there is a mismatch between their gender identity and biological sex.
In September 2015, the teen relocated to an authority unit and decided to self-support himself. The following month, he brought his case to the London's Family Division of the High Court, appealing that he has the right to privacy for his medical treatment. The court found for the teen, contending that the teen's human rights would be breached and that it won't be in the teen's best interest if his adoptive parents were well-informed of his developments.
However, in January 2016, a Leicestershire County Council official has revealed PD's new transgender status and male forename to the friends of his adoptive parents, breaking the rule of the court. Telegraph reported that the impact of the wrongful disclosure on the teen was dramatic and immediate.
Justice Keehan said the teen felt unsafe at his unit and left. He added that the teenager first stayed with his girlfriend and then some residential units given by the local authority. The teen's mental health was also very harshly compromised. According to reports, the transgender teenager made few suicide attempts and many instances of self-harm.
Now, the court ordered the official at county council to pay the teenager a sum of £4,750 in damages. A spokesperson for county official said they accept the verdict of the court and they have made an unreserved and full apology to the teenager, whom they will continue to support. Meanwhile, the judge hoped the teen, and his parents could be reconciled in the future.
