Policy Paper 2026

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Help Us Reimagine Care and Education for Neurodivergent Children and Young People

The current system supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and care leavers with complex mental health needs is in a state of critical distress. Fragmented services, rigid processes, and a profound lack of understanding too often lead to devastating outcomes, placement breakdowns, and systemic failures that breach fundamental human rights.

Our Policy Paper, "Reimagining Care and Education for Neurodivergent Children and Young People," developed by the GMT Statutory Reform Programme, outlines a transformative vision to address these urgent challenges. At its heart is the proposal for The M.I.N.D.S Authority (Mental Health, Inclusive of Neurodiversity & Delivery Standards), an independent, mandatory oversight body designed to ensure unprecedented accountability and consistent, high-quality support across education, residential, and social care.

This paper details comprehensive legislative reforms and solution-focused suggestions, including:

• Modernising Regulatory Frameworks: Expanding CQC registration for under 25s and establishing The M.I.N.D.S. Authority for oversight.
• Strengthening Safeguarding & Protecting Rights: Ensuring robust processes and upholding rights via Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Transforming Education & Care: Addressing the crisis in SEND/SEMH provision and reforming procurement processes.
• Mandating Professional Training: Ensuring comprehensive, neurodiversity-inclusive training for all professionals.
• Optimising Funding & Accountability: Ensuring transparent and effective allocation of resources.
• Prioritising Prevention & Streamlining Transitions: Building resilience and reducing trauma through proactive strategies.

We believe these reforms are crucial to dismantling the cycles of harm and building a future where every neurodivergent individual can thrive. This is not merely about adjusting policy; it's about building a foundation for a truly equitable and effective system.

We invite you to review our Policy Paper and provide your invaluable feedback. Your insights, experiences, and expertise are vital as we work towards creating a more flexible, humane, and impactful system that genuinely puts children first.

How to contribute:

Please share your views on our proposals by your preferred method, e.g., filling out our online survey (Please email us to be sent the link), submitting written comments via email to: gmtconsultation@gmt.team or via the form below. You can also attend our consultation event (February 2026 date to be confirmed, please check back here for more information by the end of January 2026). 

Your feedback will help us refine these critical reforms.

The consultation period will run from 1st January 2026 - 31st March 2026. Following which, amendments to the paper will be made based on your feedback, and subsequently submitted to Parliament. 

Thank you for your engagement and commitment to improving outcomes for neurodivergent children and young people.