S3 Ep08 - Deprivation of Liberty and Children: Gaps, Flexibility, and the Role of the Family Court

What does Deprivation of Liberty really mean in the context of children and how does it differ from a secure accommodation order? 

In this important episode of Family Law and More, we’re joined by Misha Ryan, Senior Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers and leading practitioner in Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) cases, to unpack a complex and evolving area of law.

We explore how DoLs applies specifically to disabled children and those with mental health needs, and examine the growing reliance on the Inherent Jurisdiction to bridge gaps in local authority resources. 

Misha discusses the key distinctions between DoLs and Secure Accommodation Orders, and whether the flexibility of DoLs comes at a systemic cost.

We also take a closer look at the National DoLs Court its fixed hour listings, rotating judges and whether this centralised model truly serves the best interests of vulnerable children, or whether a return to more localised decision-making is needed.

A must-listen for family law professionals navigating the increasingly blurred lines between welfare, liberty, and legal oversight in children's cases.

Produced and distributed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innobella Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.