New 39 Essex guidance note on deprivations of liberty for those under 18

The former Children's Commissioner for England has identified a growing number of "locked up" children who do not appear in official statistics whilst an ongoing national shortage of appropriate secure accommodation and registered children's homes has resulted in some High Court judges refusing to authorise wholly inappropriate deprivations of liberty in hospitals.

We have produced guidance to help practitioners navigate the complex waters relating to deprivation of liberty relating to those under 18, complexity arising both from the substantive law (how does the concept of deprivation of liberty apply to those under 18?) and procedural law (how should deprivations of liberty be authorised?).

Click here to read the guidance note or download below.