The Experiences of Children Detained Under Deprivation of Liberty Orders
Katy Baxter from Bournemouth was detained at 14 under a Deprivation of Liberty order, isolated from her family and supervised 24/7. Critics call the rise in such orders a crisis, citing detrimental effects on children’s wellbeing. The government is now investigating this practice to find better solutions for vulnerable youth.
At the age of 14, Katy Baxter from Bournemouth was detained under a court order called Deprivation of Liberty (DoL), keeping her isolated from her family and supervised 24/7.
Now 18, Katy speaks out alongside other teens who were subjected to DoL orders in England and Wales, highlighting the impact of being cut off from family, subjected to constant surveillance, and enduring inappropriate restraint by care workers.
DoL orders can be imposed by the Family Court when a child is deemed at serious risk and other placements are unavailable.
These orders are increasingly common, with applications rising twelve-fold since 2018.
Critics, including England’s most senior family judge and the children’s commissioner, describe the practice as a crisis and a national scandal.
Instances of inappropriate behavior by care workers and the detrimental effects on children's wellbeing are major concerns.
The government has recently established a panel to investigate the growing use of DoL orders and consider better solutions for vulnerable children.
Now 18, Katy speaks out alongside other teens who were subjected to DoL orders in England and Wales, highlighting the impact of being cut off from family, subjected to constant surveillance, and enduring inappropriate restraint by care workers.
DoL orders can be imposed by the Family Court when a child is deemed at serious risk and other placements are unavailable.
These orders are increasingly common, with applications rising twelve-fold since 2018.
Critics, including England’s most senior family judge and the children’s commissioner, describe the practice as a crisis and a national scandal.
Instances of inappropriate behavior by care workers and the detrimental effects on children's wellbeing are major concerns.
The government has recently established a panel to investigate the growing use of DoL orders and consider better solutions for vulnerable children.
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