Babies in care proceedings: What do we know about parents with learning disabilities or difficulties?

IPC's Professor Katy Burch leads on Nuffield Family Justice Observatory research. Katy was part of a webinar on 12th June that launched the research that suggests that the needs of parents with learning disabilities or difficulties might not be currently being met, and potential ways forward.

During the webinar, new research findings on the prevalence, circumstances and experiences of parents with learning disabilities or difficulties who are involved in care proceedings with their babies was presented and discussed. We also heard the views of parents and professionals.

The research – carried out by the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University and published on 12 June 2024 by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory – is based on an examination of court bundles, children’s social care records and interviews with parents, lawyers and social care professionals in England.

The webinar was chaired by Lisa Harker, Director of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, and included:

• A presentation from Professor Katy Burch, Lead Researcher, Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University, on the research findings and recommendations

• Views from parents with learning disabilities or difficulties who have been involved in care proceedings with their babies

• Views from a range of professionals who support parents with learning disabilities and difficulties

• Questions from the audience and a panel discussion

The recording will be of particular interest to judges, lawyers, intermediaries and social workers – both those working with children and those working with adults with learning disabilities.

Watch the webinar: