The Law Commission of England and Wales has been asked by the Department of Education to review the legal framework governing the social care of disabled children. This is to ensure that the law is fair, modern and accessible and allowing children with disabilities to access the support they need.
This session provides VODG members delivering or with an interest in children and young people’s services, an opportunity to meet with the Law Commission to discuss their review and provide feedback and comments on the current patchwork of legislation that exists, during their 'pre-consultation' phase.
According to the Law Commission, the overarching aim of the review is to 'simplify and strengthen the law, ensuring that the system is fair and works for parents, care givers and local authorities'.
The previous Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing asked the Law Commission to undertake a review of the law with the following objectives:
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To recommend a solution to the patchwork of legislation that currently governs social care for disabled children.
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To improve how the law on social care for disabled children fits in with the law relating to children’s social care more broadly.
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To recommend a route to review the outdated language and definitions underpinning the law on social care for disabled children.
The Law Commission are currently in the pre-consultation phase with the plan of publishing a consultation in Spring 2024. This is an opportunity to inform the consultation itself by highlighting the key areas for change. We will host a follow up meeting with the Law Commission once the consultation is published to gather feedback.
