In this issue, we focus on a decision of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) concerning multiple failings by a council in its care of a looked after child, called ‘D’ in this decision. Because of the failings, D lost a total of 17 months of suitable education, he lost the opportunity to … Read more
In late July, the Supreme Court ruled on the use of the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court in cases where a local authority seeks authorisation to deprive a child of their liberty in accommodation that has not been approved for this purpose. The case was brought by T, a young woman whose deprivation of … Read more
Article 39 children’s rights charity has today (29 April) formally written to the government threatening legal action to protect the rights of 16 and 17 year-old children in care. In February, the Department for Education announced the outcome of its consultation on the use of unregulated accommodation for children in care and care leavers. This … Read more
In December 2020, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) found a local authority at fault for failing to properly assess, plan and support a 15-year-old boy, S, in preparation for and following his release from custody. Inadequate and delayed assessment and planning prevented S’s early release, which unnecessarily extended his time in custody, … Read more
While the Southwark judgment and the resulting statutory guidance clarified the legal duties of local authorities in supporting 16 and 17-year-olds who are homeless, practice remains varied across the country. Last year, research by Just for Kids Law found that many 16 and 17 year-olds continue to be accommodated under Section 17 of the Children … Read more