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Carolyne Willow

@carolynewillow.bsky.social
213 followers 218 following 42 posts

Family and Public Law Barrister. Honorary Doctor of Laws (2024) and longtime children’s rights advocate. My own views here, obvs.

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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I've written about the study published today into the early deaths of young people who were in care as children: thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/you-rea...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
You really are on your own, though you shouldn’t be.
A review highlights the alarming reality of care leavers in England, revealing a need for improved support and accountability as they transition to adulthood.
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Carole Cadwalladr @carolecadwalla.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
NEW: I can't get this story out of my head. And I know I'm not alone. The attempt to cover up the complicity of the UK media's role in Jason Arday's death may be its sickest move yet. broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-jason-...
broligarchy.substack.com
The Jason Arday Reckoning
The attempts to cover up the complicity of the UK media’s role in his death may be its sickest move yet
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
G4S announced the sale of its ‘children’s services business’ shortly after a BBC Panorama exposé of serious abuse of children at Medway secure training centre. www.g4s.com/news-and-ins...
g4s.com
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Hey Nottingham folk, comedy improv tonight at Fisher Gate Point. Two shows, never to be repeated. Come along!
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/retrosp...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
Retrospective outrage is no way to run the children’s care system
Carolyne Willow discusses the urgent need to address the illegal use of supported accommodation for vulnerable children in care, emphasizing the importance of immediate action.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
I've written a piece about the dreadful news that a boy at Feltham young offender institution (the part where children are incarcerated) has died, and what government must do next. www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...
cypnow.co.uk
Boy’s death in prison raises wider child protection concerns - CYP Now
The death of a boy in custody this week highlights why the government must publish a timetable for the closure of child prisons immediately, says Carolyne Willo
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Children should never have had to wait this long. Child safeguards passed by parliament in 2009 finally look set to be brought into force on 1st April 2026: thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/restrai...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools: Child Safeguards To Finally Come Into Force
New legislation in Scotland mandates transparency regarding restraint and seclusion in schools, aiming to protect children's rights and improve accountability.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Intolerable conditions & treatment of children in care like this ⬇️ forced last government to act. But instead of demanding childcare norms, it chose to 'regulate' supported accommodation with an express goal of not disturbing the market. Absence of day-to-day care baked into the regulations.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
⬇️ This ace exhibition travels to Cornwall next. Huge thanks to @aligunn.bsky.social for telling me about this. Needs to tour everywhere!
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Brill afternoon absorbing Our Life Stories exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary. Oral history of the lives, loves, injustices & communities of 80+ people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Artwork, peer-led interviews & more. Hat-tip to everyone @unitedresponse.bsky.social involved ✨
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
“The fridge freezers in two children’s bedrooms contained mouldy food.” Wonder whether those who led, enabled and supported the demise of day-to-day care for children in care aged 16-17 ever anticipated a company offering such care-less accommodation calling itself ‘Caring Thoughts Ltd’.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Thinking of dear Ian Dickson this evening, a wonderful children’s rights champion and truth-teller. He strove to ensure every child has a ladder to the stars ✨ article39.org.uk/our-story/ch...
article39.org.uk
A ladder to the stars | Article 39
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
The Howard League @thehowardleague.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Our challenge to the government's decision to authorise PAVA spray in prisons holding children is being heard in the High Court today. Children and Young People Now coverage: www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news/high-…
cypnow.co.uk
High Court hears challenge to Pava spray use in children’s prisons - CYP Now
A legal challenge to the government’s decision to extend the use of the chemical irritant spray Pava in young offender institutions (YOI) is underway at the High Court this week.
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
After living through the Nazi & atomic bomb eras, Tove Jansson writings would often encompass fearful ideas about loss of a familiar world. However she would balance this with characters who encompassed #kindness & #community, even in the darkest times #WomensArt #WorldKindnessDay
Illustration in black and white of a hippo like creature, walking upright through stormy weather with eyes shut
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Article 39 children's rights charity @article39.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Sky documentary about the death of a very young care leaver, Nonita Grabovskyte, and how we and @inquest-org.bsky.social joined forces to fight for justice for her. Link to documentary here: article39.org.uk/2025/11/11/a...
article39.org.uk
'A girl called Nonita': Sky documentary tells the shocking story of Nonita Grabovskyte, a young care leaver woefully failed by her corporate parent and others | Article 39
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Saw this hugely powerful, anger-making production last night in Derby. Catch it if you can. Thinking of my very dear friend Eric Allison who worked tirelessly with @shattenstone.bsky.social to bring to public view the reign of child abuse at Medomsley detention centre graeae.org/event/bad-la...
graeae.org
Bad Lads - Graeae
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
A veteran activist, who has spent her life campaigning for disability rights, has called on the government to fix the “rotten to the core” social care system, after experiencing “terrifying” treatment during a short stay in a care home. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/safeguarding...
disabilitynewsservice.com
Safeguarding probe launched after veteran disabled activist reports ‘terrifying’ care home experience
A veteran activist, who has spent her life campaigning for disability rights, has called on the government to fix the “rotten to the core” social care system, after experiencing “terrifying” treatm…
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
2025: a child in care is sleeping on a mattress on the floor in an ‘annex’. Ofsted visit prompted by a serious incident alert. Private company operating the annex illegally. Child’s place paid for by their LA / corporate parent. They will have a social worker and an independent reviewing officer.
illegally.by
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
When giving oral evidence to Covid-19 Inquiry, I said whenever I encounter govt plans to remove or weaken safeguards for children in care I think about past inquiries & scandals. The death of Dennis O’Neill & the cruelty also inflicted on his brother, together with both boys’ bravery, often in mind.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
article39.org.uk/2025/10/13/c...
article39.org.uk
Children's social care and education ministers to be questioned at UK Covid-19 Inquiry | Article 39
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Been reminded (through anniversary of a family wedding I missed 😬) that it’s 29 years since the residential weekend laying the ground for the formation of A National Voice organisation run by and for care experienced people. Anyone on here who attended, I still have group photos!
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Vital work of museum of homelessness @ourmoh.bsky.social bringing to light the shocking reality of deaths of people experiencing homelessness. museumofhomelessness.org/news/new-res...
museumofhomelessness.org
Our investigation finds that 1611 people experiencing homelessness died in 2024 - a 9% increase on the previous year. — Museum of Homelessness
We are devastated to share our latest research into the deaths of those who die. It has revealed the continued impact at the sharpest edge of the homelessness crisis, as the Labour Government has fail...
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Article 39 children's rights charity @article39.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
article39.org.uk/2025/09/30/p...
article39.org.uk
Plight of children in prison laid bare in today's UK Covid-19 Inquiry hearing | Article 39
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Article 39 children's rights charity @article39.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
UK Covid-19 Inquiry, day 1 hearing: strong and consistent calls for making the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child fully part of UK law article39.org.uk/uk-covid-19-...
article39.org.uk
UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 8 hearings - day 1 (29 September 2025) | Article 39
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Very grateful to Chambers for supporting me to concentrate on assisting @article39.bsky.social over the next month, during the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's module on children and young people. Hearings start Monday 29 September, going through to 23 October. More here: article39.org.uk/2025/09/26/i...
article39.org.uk
Impact on children of government decision-making during the pandemic to be focus of UK Covid-19 Inquiry hearings across next four weeks | Article 39
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
martinbarrow.bsky.social @martinbarrow.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
It is, frankly, devastating to see councils campaigning for MORE supported accommodation, which is increasingly used to house children in care as young as 16, often sharing premises with vulnerable adults. By law, no ‘care’ can be provided. www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
cypnow.co.uk
Councils call for government investment in supported housing - CYP Now
The supply of supported accommodation including for care leavers could fail to meet demand without appropriate government investment, the Local Government Association (LGA) is warning.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Why was Prison Officers Association speaking about its members working in Oasis Restore secure school on @channel4news.bsky.social when this is legally meant to be a secure children’s home, not a child prison?
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Due to one child’s needs, waking night staff in place for 8 months. Yet this is meant to be accommodation for children able to live with high degree of independence (a fiction in itself). This was always policy development full of risks for children, designed by last government for LAs in crisis.
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Rebekah Pierre @bekahpierre.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
A reflection on my care files, three years after sharing “An open letter to the social worker who wrote my case notes”, which ended up going viral at the time. Here’s how my perspective has shifted: (Original letter available at basw.co.uk/articles/ope...)
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
martinbarrow.bsky.social @martinbarrow.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
About half of the 100+ Ofsted inspections published so far have identified concerns, some very serious.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Excellent that Education Committee has urged Department for Education to amend legislation to ensure all children in care receive care where they live. (Report published this week.) ❗Several thousand 16 and 17 year-olds in care are currently housed in accommodation where they *receive no care*.
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
martinbarrow.bsky.social @martinbarrow.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
These children are too vulnerable to live in supported accommodation and staff are not able to keep them safe.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Got mine from the wonderful @fiveleavesbooks.bsky.social, read last week on holiday and, wow, is it a powerful, moving, energising read.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Sorting out my study, stopped in tracks to marvel once more at this beautiful book written by the exceptional human being Micheline Mason. A primer in human rights, this wonderful book powerfully communicates the social model of disability for parents primarily, though is a gift to all.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Inquest concluded yesterday into the preventable death of a very young and vulnerable care leaver. Litany of failings. PLEASE NOTE: @article39.bsky.social & @inquest-org.bsky.social joint statement contains lots of distressing information, including about suicide. article39.org.uk/2025/05/23/n...
article39.org.uk
Nonita Grabovskyte: Inquest into death of young care leaver finds catalogue of serious failings by corporate parent and other agencies contributed to her death | Article 39
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
article39.org.uk/2025/05/14/n...
article39.org.uk
Nonita Grabovskyte: Inquest into death of former looked after child under care of multiple agencies opens | Article 39
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Government has authorised use of PAVA spray on children in three prisons. Latest data on children in prison: ❗️63% were formerly in care ❗️53% are from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities ❗️44% have health problems ❗️35% are disabled questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Will new corporate parenting responsibilities transform England’s children’s care system. My latest blog on Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/the-chi...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Transforming England’s Children’s Care System
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a landmark development proposed in 2022, completed its first passage through the House of Commons last month. It now includes a set of corporate parenting re...
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Heading to Birmingham to join this important conference ⬇️
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Children aged 16 and 17 without a home and parental care not being offered vital assistance from advocates: thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/ofsted-...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
Ofsted urges action on advocacy for homeless teenagers
Local authorities must improve advocacy for homeless children, ensuring they understand their rights and options under the Children's Act and the Housing Act to receive proper care and support.
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
On very same day government minister sought to assure MPs that children have sufficient protection from violence, High Court delivered judgment on a doctor’s appeal not to be struck off from medical register for the “lawful chastisement” of his children. thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/r-v-hop...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
R v Hopley Revisited
Government rejects amendment to ban 'reasonable punishment' for parents in England, awaiting evidence from Wales. A recent High Court case highlights the ongoing debate on corporal punishment.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
On very same day government minister sought to assure MPs that children have sufficient protection from violence, High Court delivered judgment on a doctor’s appeal not to be struck off from medical register for the “lawful chastisement” of his children. thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/r-v-hop...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
R v Hopley Revisited
Government rejects amendment to ban 'reasonable punishment' for parents in England, awaiting evidence from Wales. A recent High Court case highlights the ongoing debate on corporal punishment.
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Care experienced children and adults have been championing change through self-led groups and organisations since the 1970s. Shouldn’t it now be the norm for care experienced people to be in the majority at policy-making tables. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the care experience: looked-after children and care leavers must be heard | Editorial
Editorial: The increased visibility of people whose lives have been shaped by social services is a change for the better
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Coram @wearecoram.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
We are delighted by today's decision from the High Court that school exclusion hearings are covered by the European Convention of Human Rights, opening the possibility of legal aid being granted in appeals against exclusion. More info: www.coram.org.uk/news/high-co... @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Very important hearing in Court of Appeal today, concerning local authorities power to deprive children in care of their liberty article39.org.uk/2025/02/04/c...
article39.org.uk
Court of Appeal to consider power of local authorities to deprive children in care of their liberty | Article 39
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Reposted by Carolyne Willow
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
“Mums, midwives, solicitors, barristers and judges are all telling us the way we do this is ­inhumane. It is no way to provide ­justice. Everyone agrees, but it still keeps happening.” - Lisa Harker, Director, NFJO Read more from @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
‘I can’t sleep, I’m terrified’: the rise in mothers having their babies taken away within days of giving birth in England
Charity finds ‘inhumane’ system is forcing women to defend themselves in court, sometimes from their hospital beds, while in fear of having their newborn child taken from them
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Carolyne Willow @carolynewillow.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
I wrote about government plans for the deprivation of liberty of looked after children (Clause 10 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill): thebarristergroup.co.uk/blog/clause-...
thebarristergroup.co.uk
Locking up children under the Children Act 1989 – some thoughts on Clause 10 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Pupil barrister Carolyne Willow explores the implications of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on safeguarding and liberty deprivation for vulnerable children in care.
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