Member

In many, if not most, cases, the child’s choice of person will give rise to no concerns. The danger lies in a situation in which, through misplaced loyalty, naivety, or subtle psychological manipulation, the wrong person is appointed—at worst, an abuser who is intent on continuing that abuse. Members of this Committee have posed the question: what are the safeguards to prevent such a person exercising their powers to control the child’s care without effective challenge? There are two points in the patient journey where I suggest that question most matters. One is at the time of the nominated person’s appointment; the other is when the child enters a clinical setting as an inpatient.