Ministry of Justice figures have revealed a high of 1,440 deprivation of liberty (DoL) applications in 2025, up 12.5% since the previous year.
Quarter four data in the Family Court Statistics Quarterly release reveals 379 children were subject to DoL applications, up from 321 in the same period in 2024. The 2025 figures were higher than 2024 in every quarter.
In Q4 2025, two-thirds of the applications were for children aged 13-15. Applications for children aged up to 12 fell from 50 in Q3 to 41 in Q4, but the average number of applications across the year for this age group is higher than in 2024.
Commenting on the data, the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory said it 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,” the organisation added. “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.”
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory research has highlighted the increasing use of DoL orders over the past seven years. Data from Cafcass indicates that in 2017/18, there were around 100 applications, while current figures indicate this number has increased by up to 14 times.
“It is still the case that DoL orders vastly outnumber applications to place children in registered secure accommodation,” the organisation said. “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.
“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.”
Lisa Harker, director of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, added:
“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 them.”
