With media coverage and political support growing for Serenity Welfare’s Hope Instead of Handcuffs campaign, prominent supporter Steve McCabe - Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak - is to host an online roundtable event to discuss the campaign’s key concerns.
Scheduled for July 20, the discussion will cover how the use of restraint against children in the UK care system can be tackled and how vulnerable young people can be better supported.
The event is intended to be used as a forum to discuss the use of restraint against innocent children, at a time when such activity in UK care settings is increasing despite the proven detrimental impact it has on physical and mental health and wellbeing. The discussion also comes during a period where the MacAlister Independent Review of Children’s Social Care is ongoing.
Taking part in the event alongside McCabe, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Looked After Children and Care Leavers, are Serenity Welfare boss and campaign leader Emily Aklan, chair of the Evidence Group of the Children’s Social Care Review Leon Feinstein, Health and Social Affairs editor at the Sunday Express Lucy Johnston and author and social campaigner Dr Phil Frampton.
The Hope Instead of Handcuffs campaign is working toward ending the use of handcuffs on children unless there is a substantial risk of harm to the child. At present, handcuffs are frequently used on looked-after children, including during transportation between care settings, even if the children in question have not committed or been accused of committing a crime.
During the online discussion, there will be an opportunity for attendees to put forward questions to the expert panel during a Q&A which will take place after the opening discussion.
Any individuals wishing to register their interest in taking part in the roundtable event can do so here.
