Inquiry Launched into Children’s Rights in Social Care

The government pledged major reforms to children’s social care, aiming to strengthen support for families. The 2023 “Stable Homes, Built on Love” strategy focused on better training for social workers and amplifying children’s voices. In 2024, a broader overhaul promised additional measures to improve outcomes and stability for children. This inquiry will assess how well children’s rights are protected, with particular attention to those in care and the availability of support for families, including early intervention and help for families with disabled children. The Joint Committee is seeking written evidence on topics such as legal protections and complaint procedures.

Lord David Alton, Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, urged those with experience of the children’s social care system to share their views. To gather insights from those with direct experience, the Committee has also launched a short, confidential online survey.

The inquiry is open to anyone who can respond to the questions in the call for evidence. The Committee will accept submissions until Monday, August 25, 2025.