Deprivation of liberty: children and young people

The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show there were 1,439 applications to the High Court to detain children during the year 2025.

Of these applications:

• 155 were for children aged 12 or under

• 834 were for children aged 13-15 years old

• 445 were for children aged 16-18 years old

Such applications are needed where a child is deprived of their liberty in a place where a secure order under the Children Act cannot be made (not living in a registered secure placement). Once a child reaches the age of 16, applications can also be made to the Court of Protection for an order (often called a community DoL)

Download from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/family-court-statistics-quarterly-october-to-december-2025/family-court-statistics-quarterly-october-to-december-2025 - mental-capacity-act---court-of-protection

Edge Training delivers specialist courses for childrens social workers on young people and deprivation of liberty.

Our commissioned courses can be viewed HERE - if you would like to enquire about commissioning us please email admin@edgetraining.org.uk or call 07825 731139.

Our ticketed Events can be viewed and booked HERE