It is defensible but probably makes little sense in practice.
One of the main reason for keeping files so long is that unless you
actively track each child for life you do not know how long they live, so
you have a nice simple rule.
You could complicate that rule if you wish by adding a proviso that e.g.
where someone is known to have died you can destroy, say, three years
after death (personal representatives can bring actions after death !)
but would you really want to ?
If you do you also might like to consider there may be other reasons to
keep a file. Some of the records of AB (decd) may actually be useful if an
action is brought by CD who lived with AB for the period concerned.
I would suggest it is simpler just to stick to the basic rule.
Also there may be some records that you are required to keep. Some
statutory provisions require these long periods (for just such reasons)
and so far as I recall do not make this exception - presumably because no-
one thought it worth the effort ...
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