Member

Amendment 124, in my name and that of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Manchester, introduces additional protections for all looked-after children who are deprived of their liberty. It is modelled on existing Children Act 1989 provisions in Sections 1, 22C and 31A. The children’s homes regulations will apply, which include a set of principles of care. The Bill is an opportunity to update these principles, drawing on the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory’s principles of care, developed by experts in child and adolescent mental health and welfare to form a guiding framework for how to meet the needs of children with complex needs and circumstances. Could the Minister say what the Government’s plans are to update the principles of care in the children’s homes regulations?