capable due to their minority; it will normally fall to their solicitor to determine whether they are able to give instructions. This is likely to require appropriate medical evidence, and a parent who is incapable of consenting is also likely to be incapable of conducting the proceedings and will need to have a ‘litigation friend’ (who may be the Official Solicitor) to conduct the proceedings on their behalf. In cases where the Official Solicitor represented the parent in earlier care proceedings, the local authority should notify the Official Solicitor of the proposed application. 8.11. If it is claimed that the child’s welfare requires the court to dispense with parental consent, the statement of facts will need to include information about the child’s history and long-term needs and the capacity of the parents to meet those needs. It will need to show also, why the child’s welfare requires adoption, rather than any other order. The statement of fact should include any findings in earlier care proceedings and the judgment, if there has already been a care order with an adoption care plan. 8.12. The statement of facts will be sent to the parent. It is important that the statement of fact does not include any information which might identify the prospective adopter where they have already been chosen and their identity is not to be disclosed to the parents. Appointment of children’s guardian 8.13. Since the child is a party to any application for a placement order, the court will appoint a children’s guardian under Rule 16.3 unless it is satisfied that it is not necessary to do so to safeguard the interests of the child. Where there are combined care and placement order applications the guardian appointed in the care proceedings will usually be appointed for the placem