What steps she is taking to help tackle regional variations in disabled children’s social care in the context of the publication of the Law Commission’s report on 16 September 2025.
The Law Commission published its final report on 16 September 2025 following a department commissioned review in April 2023 of the legal framework for disabled children’s social care.The report makes 40 recommendations, which we are now considering, with a focus on simplifying and strengthening the system to better support disabled children and their families. In line with the protocol agreed between the Lord Chancellor and the Law Commission, the department must provide an initial response within six months and a full response within one year, setting out which recommendations will be accepted, rejected or modified, and any implementation timeline.As we prepare our formal response to the Law Commission, we believe the national rollout of Family Help, a seamless, non-stigmatising offer of support delivered by multi-disciplinary, community-based teams, is already beginning to address the intended outcomes of the report and reduce regional variations. This includes special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) trained professionals as leading practitioners. Through Family Help, we are taking steps to remove the stigma from asking for help, with more SEND professionals available in integrated front doors for families to access practical support without judgement unnecessarily burdensome assessments.