The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has criticized the social care system for failing to adequately support young people in need. In a report, she highlighted cases of young individuals who faced further trauma and instability while being rehomed. One teenage girl who had endured domestic abuse and neglect was moved multiple times before ending up in a supervised crisis placement in a caravan. Another autistic teenager was placed in an Airbnb under supervision due to not meeting criteria under the Mental Health Act. These cases were described as a ‘stark failure’ by the commissioner.
The report found that many children under deprivation of liberty orders (DoLs) from the High Court are living in highly unsuitable accommodations. While some children have appropriate housing, it is unclear how many are falling through the cracks. Dame Rachel’s research suggests that children’s basic rights to safety and happiness are often ignored in a system that prioritizes profit-making over protection. The number of applications for DoLs has increased significantly over the years, indicating a growing issue within the social care system.
Children subject to DoLs are often placed in settings that are unsuitable, including illegal children’s homes, Airbnbs, or hospital wards. This can lead to children feeling unsafe and uncared for, further adding to their trauma. The report recommended that fewer children should be subject to DoLs and that those who are should never be placed in illegal children’s homes. Dame Rachel called for a strengthening of the law to provide clarity and transparency on decision-making, as well as giving children a stronger voice in the process.
The commissioner emphasized the need for radical investment in creating new and safe places for children to live and an end to profiteering in children’s social care. She stressed the importance of ensuring that every child grows up safe, happy, healthy, and engaged in their communities and education. Dame Rachel urged for urgent and bold changes to address the failures of the children’s social care system, highlighting the impact on children who are deprived of their liberty and often isolated in unsuitable accommodations without a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
In response to the commissioner’s criticism, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the heartbreaking experiences faced by children deprived of their liberty. She pledged to break down barriers to opportunity for these vulnerable children, including developing new community-based provisions to meet their needs and giving them better life chances. The government plans to address profiteering by care providers, tackle unregistered placements, and prioritize early intervention to help children achieve and thrive. Overall, the government’s response aims to improve the support and outcomes for children in the social care system.
