New data shows a high of 1,440 deprivation of liberty (DoL) applications in 2025 – an increase of 12.5% since 2024 (1,280 applications).
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) released the latest figures on the number of children subject to applications to deprive them of their liberty under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, through its Family Court Statistics Quarterly release.
Quarterly data from October-December 2025 shows that 379 children were subject to DoL applications, which authorise the deprivation of a child’s liberty in a place other than a secure children’s home. For the equivalent quarter in 2024, 321 children were subject to deprivation of liberty applications. Throughout 2025, quarterly figures were above those seen in 2024, indicating a sustained rise since the MoJ began collecting data in July 2023.
Two-thirds of applications last quarter were for children aged 13–15. The number of applications for younger children (0–12) has fallen since last quarter (from 50 to 41), however across the year, the average number of applications for this age group is higher than in 2024, suggesting increased usage of DoL orders for younger children. Patterns of gender remain similar to previous quarters; roughly equivalent between girls (49%) and boys (50%).
This data reflects the continuing and extensive use of DoL orders. However, it is limited in what it can tell us about children who are deprived of their liberty. It does not tell us why an application was made, the ethnicity of children subject to applications or the additional needs they may face. Questions also remain about how many children may be subject to repeated DoL orders.
What are deprivation of liberty orders?
DoL orders authorise the deprivation of children in what are often unsuitable, unregulated settings, used to keep them safe in the absence of other options (such as a secure children’s home) and are usually driven by short-term crisis planning. Our research has highlighted how children on DoL orders may have intersecting needs related to mental health concerns, self-harm, disability and/or experiences of criminal and sexual exploitation. Many of these children will have long and traumatic histories and involvement with services; however, it is often the combined impact of these multiple and intersecting needs – rather than the impact or ‘severity’ of any individual risk factor – that increases a child’s vulnerability.
What does this release of data show?
How many applications were made?
Between October and December 2025, there were 380 applications in the High Court, relating to 379 children. In 2025, there were 1,440 DoL applications, compared to 1,280 in 2024, an increase of 12.5%. Our research has highlighted the increasing use of DoL orders over the past 7 years. Data from Cafcass indicates that in 2017/18, there were around 100 applications, while current figures indicate this number has increased fourteenfold..1
How does this compare to applications for secure accommodation orders?
It is still the case that DoL orders vastly outnumber applications to place children in registered secure accommodation. There is a severe shortage of secure children’s homes. Only 68 applications were made between October and December 2025 for secure accommodation orders, in comparison to 380 DoL applications.
Towards a new ecosystem of care for children on deprivation of liberty orders
The rise in DoL orders is reflective of fragmented services, limited suitable accommodation and a lack of coordinated, trauma-informed care. Children’s needs are often handled by disconnected agencies, leading to gaps in responsibility, inter-agency disputes and a focus on risk management over long-term well-being.
A peer collaborative, convened by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, shared insights about how children in complex situations are cared for in their regions – Caring for Children in Complex Situations: Five Learning Points and a Case for Change and Caring for Children in Complex Situations: Towards a New Ecosystem. This provides insights for leaders in social care, health, youth justice, family justice, police and education services who know that change is needed, and who recognise that everyone involved needs to be around the same table to reimagine a better way of working.
There is an urgent need to reset services for children who are experiencing the greatest vulnerabilities in our society. A new ecosystem of care would put children’s long-term well-being at the centre, with children and their families listened to and involved in decisions. It would mean health, children’s social care, police and education working together to better support them. Children deserve care from professionals who have a full understanding of their needs and who can work seamlessly together to meet themLisa Harker, Director, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
For further information about the needs and characteristics of children subject to DoLs applications, read our research here.
To receive our bulletin about improving care for children experiencing and living in complex circumstances sign up here.
