Access to justice when children are deprived of their liberty (DOLs)

A campaign by Family Rights Group. We want more children and families to have improved access to justice through a fairer legal aid system.

Every year, thousands of children are deprived of their liberty by the Family Court. Some under secure accommodation orders. Many others under High Court orders. Watch our video to learn more about the issues.

Depriving a child of their liberty is a draconian measure. It can mean they are isolated, subject to high levels of restraint, and have a significant impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.  

We also know that too often children deprived of their liberty are living in settings which do not meet their needs and are far away from their families and communities.

For their parents and carers, there is often no access to the information and legal advice they need to understand the situation. Where court applications are made, many are unrepresented, left to navigate confusing and distressing proceedings alone.

The law in this area is complex. Without legal advice and representation, it is very difficult for families to understand what is happening, what their options are, and how to secure the best outcome for the child.

We are campaigning for a fairer legal aid system

Family Rights Group’s analysis of the legal aim regime has found it riddled with anomalies and injustices. Urgent reform is needed.

We have made proposals to help get children and families access to the legal advice and representation they need. These include families having access to advice at an earlier stage, legal aid being available in more situations where a child may be deprived of their liberty, and bringing the level of legal aid available into line with that available in care proceedings.

Read our briefing paper: Legal aid in deprivation of liberty cases – The current legal aid position and proposals for reform.

Add your name to our call for a fairer legal aid system for children deprived of their liberty. By signing up, you will join a community of supporters and be kept up to date on progress and ways you can get involved.