Responding to a new report on safeguarding and gender identity, Rachael Wardell, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, said:

“The local authority usually shares parental responsibility with the parents of all children in their care, unless they do not have any in this country having arrived here as an unaccompanied minor.  So, parents, and other significant adults in the child’s life can be and are involved where a child is questioning their gender identity.  Sadly, there are times where a family’s discriminatory behaviours may represent a safeguarding risk to a child; in all situations, our laws and systems put the child’s welfare, and their rights, at the heart of decision making, as does the long-established legal principle of Gillick Competency. 

“Data is incomplete, so we do not know how many children in care, or amongst the general population, are questioning their gender identity.  This issue has become more complicated in light of recent reports and judgements and further politicised as a result.  Local authorities, as well as schools and colleges, are responding in the absence of national guidance from government. Directors would welcome such guidance, which would offer clarity and in turn support consistent practice responses to improve children’s experiences and ultimately their outcomes.” 

ENDS