Government promises better advocacy and commissioning of services for disabled children

The review into residential care for disabled children had been launched after “serious abuse” of children with disabilities was found at three South Yorkshire residential schools run by private provider Hesley Group.

Improved advocacy for children with complex communication needs is among pledges made, with ministers promising they will be better promoted, and access to advocacy specialists improved.

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For the first time there will be a standard on providing “non-instructed advocacy support” to those who are unable to give a clear direction of their wishes.

In its response the government has accepted a recommendation made by the review that all children with disabilities and complex health needs in residential settings should have access to independently commissioned advocacy support.

In addition, two regional care co-operatives will be rolled out to bring together professionals across councils, health, and youth justice services to improve how care places are provided and commissioned.

Among concerns raised into the three schools run by the Hesley Group was that abuse was being “actively concealed”.

Children were being locked overnight in bathrooms, deprived of medication and one young resident was dragged across the floor, according to a BBC investigation into two of the homes.

“This cohort have complex needs and disabilities and deserve to be treated with humanity and dignity," said Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) president John Pearce.

“The failings that took place in these settings must be a catalyst for real change and ADCS welcomes the government’s commitment to improving the system so that it better meets children’s needs.”

He added reform needs to be backed with “real investment”.

“All professionals who work with children with complex health needs, across residential settings and schools, hold significant responsibility and should therefore be given the support needed for such specialist work.

“This goes beyond registration but should instead seek to ensure all members of this vital workforce have the right skills, values and behaviours required.

“There is also an urgent need to improve the status of the residential care sector and the professionals working within it. Their role can be transformative, but we need national government to help push this positive narrative whilst ensuring the right regulatory and oversight arrangements are in place across the country.”

The Government has set out steps to address failings identified by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. The Panel published Phase 2 of its national review of safeguarding for disabled children & children with complex needs living in residential settings in April. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/yelddJ2nR9

— National Children's Bureau (@ncbtweets) December 18, 2023

National Children’s Bureau director of practice and programmes Amanda Allard said that the abuse at the homes “must never be repeated” and will be monitoring progress of reform in six months.  

“While these reforms will require careful development and implementation, we must also move forward with urgency so that this most vulnerable group of children and young adults are assured the safety and support they deserve,” she said.