Children’s Rights

Baroness Barran Excerpts

Monday 27th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister talked about the use of child rights impact assessments for the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. I want to raise the issue of the very concerning rise in deprivation of liberty orders for children, particularly their increasing use for very young children, apparently as young as seven. There is currently no age differentiation in the Bill and, unlike in the case of secure accommodation, a child can be deprived of their liberty without the authorisation of the Secretary of State. Can the Minister respond to that, and to the calls from the Children’s Commissioner that the legal framework should be strengthened to protect those very vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities and at risk of exploitation?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is right that the lack of suitable provision for children with complex needs, as well as some secure children’s homes, is a very key part of the reason why there has been a big increase in the number of deprivation of liberty orders. That is why our programme of work, including the legislative changes and capital investment, is focused on improving the outcomes for those children. We will, as she identifies, be looking at the legislative framework for deprivation of liberty orders, and I will take on board the point she makes about the particular challenges for very young children. I am sure that we will have the opportunity to debate this in more length and detail when the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill comes before this House.