Ellie Ames 07 October 2024

Time to axe ‘contradictory’ care laws, minister says

Time to axe ‘contradictory’ care laws, minister says image
Image: Media_Photos / Shutterstock.com

It is ‘high time’ to axe outdated language and contradictory rules from laws on disabled children’s social care, the families minster has said.

The Law Commission was asked by the Government to review the laws in England and has launched a consultation today.

Children and families minister Janet Daby said: ‘It’s high time that outdated and offensive language and confusing and contradictory rules are axed from our legal system for good – saving social workers’ hugely valuable time, that can be better spent improving families’ experiences.’

The Law Commission agreed that much of the language about disabled children in the Children Act 1989 is offensive and said it does not capture the nuances of neurodiversity.

The statutory body said it would be fair to describe the current legal rules as a ‘system of baffling complexity’ that creates ‘additional tiring and frustrating work’.

Its consultation suggests taking legislation for disabled children out of section 17 of the Children Act and establishing a new legal framework for their social care.

It also asks whether there should be national eligibility criteria for disabled children’s social care, how disability should be defined, and what remedies should be available for children and families when things go wrong.

Public law commissioner Alison Young said: ‘The children who need help from social services have changed over time as our awareness and understanding of particular conditions has developed.

‘It is important for these children, their carers and those providing services that the law is fair, up to date and most importantly, simple to understand.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner