JCHR to take evidence on the impact that the coronavirus crisis has had on the human rights of young people who are autistic and/or who have learning disabilities

On Monday 18 May at 2.30pm the Joint Committee on Human Right will be having an evidence session about the right of young people with autism/learning disabilities not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment and their right to family life. 

In the last parliament, the Committee reported that there was inadequate protection against abuse in hospital settings, and that young people were being detained inappropriately and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment, sometimes amounting to solitary confinement. The situation is made even worse now that parental visits and inspections have been suspended as part of tackling COVID-19.

Witnesses:

• Adele Green, mother whose son has learning disabilities and is currently detained. 
• Andrea Attree, mother whose autistic daughter is currently detained. 
• Dr Kevin Cleary, Deputy Chief Inspector for Hospitals (and lead for mental health and community services), Care Quality Commission
• Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, Care Quality Commission
• Ray James CBE, Director, National Learning Disability, NHS England and NHS Improvement