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Families Banned From Seeing Loved Ones in Care
17 Feb
Summary
- Forty-five families report restricted or banned visits after complaining.
- Lawyers note an increase in 'contact restrictions' by care providers.
- Some families face court orders preventing public discussion of issues.
Families of adults with learning disabilities have come forward reporting that their access to loved ones in care has been restricted or completely banned. These actions by private care companies and local councils reportedly occurred after families raised concerns about the quality of care. Forty-five families have shared experiences of having their visiting rights removed or limited, with five more reporting threats of such restrictions.
Legal professionals and disability charities observe an increase in these 'contact restrictions.' This trend is partly attributed to the scarcity of care placements, leading councils to potentially side with providers to retain services. Families often face additional challenges, including court orders that prevent public discussion or fear of retaliation from care providers.
One case detailed how a mother's visits to her son were progressively restricted after she voiced safety concerns about his care home. Her son, under the Court of Protection due to severe learning disabilities, experienced neglect, weight loss, and self-harm before being moved. Another family spent £45,000 in legal fees attempting to challenge care decisions for their daughter, whose contact was also severely limited.
Charities highlight systemic failures, suggesting that the court system sometimes prioritizes available placements over quality of care. The Department of Health and Social Care stated that restricting contact as punishment for raising concerns is unacceptable, referencing CQC guidance against victimizing complainants.
