6
We agree with the Law Commission: the definition of disability in the Children Act 1989...
Conclusion
We agree with the Law Commission: the definition of disability in the Children Act 1989 is outdated. It contains stigmatising language and it does not match modern definitions of disability used in other areas of law. The definition should be modernised and made more inclusive by using the language of the Equality Act 2010, in line with the proposals of the Law Commission. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52)
Source
Committee
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Report
2nd Report - Human Rights of Children in the Social Care System in England
27 Aug 2026
HC 161
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Report published
27 Aug 2026