Expert blasts 'lack of urgency' over vulnerable children issue

A HUMAN rights expert has accused the Welsh Government of lacking urgency in dealing with what a senior judge called the “single biggest crisis point” for vulnerable children.

- CHRIS HAINES ICNN Senedd reporter

Rhian Croke, from the Children’s Law Centre based at Swansea University, expressed concerns about ministers’ sluggish response to a Senedd inquiry’s recommendations.

The Senedd’s children’s committee called for an analysis of the use of deprivation of liberty orders - court orders which severely restrict children's freedoms - by December 2023. But, nearly two years on, Dr Croke warned: “We have not seen any evidence that the Welsh Government has completed or published the analysis it committed to undertaking.”

She added: “While we welcomed this commitment, we noted at the time that the response lacked urgency and did not set out a clear action plan to address the immediate needs of the highly vulnerable children affected by deprivation of liberty orders in Wales.”

Dr Croke explained: “Some children with complex needs require placement in secure accommodation, if there is a risk to their safety and/or others.