House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
The Government Response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights reports on the Detention of Young People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism and Human Rights and the implications of the Government's COVID-19 response
22 October 2020 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government accepts the majority of the Joint Committee on Human Rights' recommendations regarding the detention of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- Legal duties for Local Authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups will be introduced to ensure provision of community-based services.
- Guidance on the use of injunctions to prevent families from being silenced about poor care will be introduced.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's formal response to recommendations from the Joint Committee on Human Rights regarding the detention of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Action requested
The government is accepting the majority of the JCHR's recommendations, including introducing legal duties for Local Authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure adequate community-based services. They will also introduce guidance on the use of injunctions to prevent families from being silenced about poor care and will consult on changes through a Mental Health Act White Paper.
Key facts
- The JCHR published reports in November 2019 and June 2020.
- A legal duty is proposed for Local Authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure community-based services are available.
- Guidance will be introduced on the use of injunctions to prevent inappropriate silencing of families.
- Health bodies must notify the Secretary of State before seeking an injunction.
- The Mental Health Act White Paper will consult on placing CETR on a statutory footing and reforming detention criteria.