Petition · Ministry of Justice
Automatic Deputyship to parents once child with disabilities turns 18
Closed
189 signatures
What the petition asks
We urge the Government to automatically grant Deputyship to parents of children with disabilities once they reach adulthood. We think this change would eliminate complex legal processes, ensuring continued care, while reducing financial and emotional burdens on families.
Currently, the system supports children with disabilities and their families during childhood, recognising that parents or guardians are the primary decision-makers for their children’s welfare, healthcare, and legal matters. However, when these children reach adulthood, we feel the system often assumes that they now have the ability to make their own decisions. In reality, we think many of these young adults continue to lack the capacity to make informed choices, and their parents are still the most qualified and trusted individuals to make decisions in their best interest.
Timeline
| 22 Apr 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 22 Oct 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
189
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
22 Apr 2025
Closed
22 Oct 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 8 Aug 2026.