Member

Amendment 132, in my name and that of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Manchester and the noble Lord, Lord Storey, seeks to improve the oversight of children deprived of their liberty. This new clause expands the legal duties of the independent reviewing officer, building on Section 25B of the Children Act 1989 and Regulation 45(3) of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010. Independent reviewing officers are required to oversee and scrutinise the care plan for the child. The aim is to ensure there is sufficient oversight that is independent of the local authority of these orders. Reporting to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service would add a further level of scrutiny and system-wide picture of implementation. Does the Minister agree that we need robust mechanisms for oversight of these orders? If so, will she accept this amendment?