Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

I support the amendments, especially Amendment No. 58, in my name, and those of the noble Lord, Lord Judd, and the noble Baronesses, Lady Walmsley and Lady Sharp. In our amendment, we have tried to give a concise definition of independence. It goes further than the definition in Amendment No. 55A. It is crucial that there is a really independent voice on these matters. There cannot be any criticism that a particular path has not been followed because of problems that a local authority may be having. Certainly, people from whom I have had briefing have some concerns about CAFCASS and the creation of a national IRO service, or to move the IRO function to CAFCASS. The CRAE, which is an amazing organisation of children’s bodies, is concerned about this and believes that there should be no more delay in guaranteeing for every looked-after child a highly experienced professional, independent of the local authority, who will monitor its actions, including on human rights. We keep coming back to human rights. It is crucial that this aspect is fully taken into account and given a full airing in everything that is happening between local authorities and children. I shall leave it at that; I know that the Members of the Committee whose names are also on the amendment will have other things to say.