Why Do Children in Wales Need Lawyers?

Professor Jane Williams, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Children’s Legal Centre Wales

Recently I had the honour to deliver the annual lecture for the Observatory on Children’s Human Rights at Swansea University. I chose the title ‘Why Children Need Lawyers, Not Just Law’. I reflected on the many protective laws that exist, and the many duties and powers on public bodies designed to create safer, happier and healthier childhoods for children in Wales. I noted the ‘thread’ of children’s rights that has been stitched into devolved law and policy making in Wales since the beginning of devolved government in 1999.

And yet in practice, it is often immensely difficult for children, whether by themselves or through their carers, to use these laws when something goes wrong: when they are not protected, provided for or respected in the way the law requires. Through our work at the Children’s Legal Centre Wales, we know that children and young people in Wales frequently encounter legal issues relating to immigration, education, housing, social care, criminal justice, and family law, amongst others. And, crucially, our own and others’ research consistently shows that many children are unable to access timely, specialist legal advice tailored to their needs. Barriers include declining legal aid provision, limited availability of specialist lawyers, low legal literacy among young people, and structural weaknesses in the justice system.

There is therefore a clear need for dedicated, accessible legal advice services specifically designed for children and young people, and at Children’s Legal Centre Wales we are working with our many partners to find ways to supply this need whenever and wherever in Wales it arises.

This Blog sets out some of the evidence that we have been gathering as we work towards a delivery model. It is vital to gather all the information so we can make the best of use of current resources, including our collaborations and networks, as well as developing the services that we want to offer directly to children and their carers.

Unmet Legal Need in Wales

The Legal Needs in Wales study published by the Law Society (2026) found that 73% of people in Wales experienced at least one legal issue within the past four years, yet 35% of people received no help for their problem. The most common barrier reported was difficulty finding someone able or willing to help with the issue.

This data suggests systemic barriers to accessing legal support, particularly in areas with fewer legal professionals. While the study focuses on the general population, children and young people are likely to face even greater challenges due to their dependence on adults to access services, lack of knowledge about rights, and vulnerability within legal systems.

Legal Literacy and Awareness Among Children

Access to justice is limited by low levels of legal knowledge. How is a child to know that being constantly hungry or ill-treated, or deprived of educational, cultural, economic or recreational opportunities, or due process, is a violation of their rights, or a breach of some public law power or duty? How does anyone know what legal process might be used to put things right? No-one is born with the knowledge! Public Legal Education research has described Wales as a “legal education desert,” where provision of legal education in schools is fragmented and inconsistent.

A 2024 study from Cardiff University found that fewer than half of primary schools provide any legal education, and where it exists it tends to focus on behaviour management rather than children’s rights or legal processes.

Low legal literacy means many young people are unaware of their rights, the legal processes affecting them, or how to seek advice when problems arise. This points to a need for child-specific services that combine provision of legal advice and representation with legal education.

Children’s Vulnerability in the Justice System

Children involved in legal systems often face additional challenges that make legal advice particularly important. For example, research into youth justice in Wales shows that around 60% of children in the youth justice system have speech, language, or communication needs, compared with approximately 10% of children in the general population.

These communication barriers can prevent children from understanding legal proceedings or expressing their views effectively. Without specialist legal support, many children may struggle to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.

Children may also become involved in the justice system due to exploitation. Evidence shows that young people experiencing poverty, domestic abuse, or family instability are particularly vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

Specialist legal advice services can help ensure these children are recognised as being in need of appropriate protection and support rather than criminalisation.

Systemic Issues in the Family Justice System

Recent reporting based on government watchdog findings shows that the proportion of children waiting over a year for family court decisions increased from 0.7% in 2017 to 12% by 2024.

Long delays in care and family proceedings can have serious consequences for children, including instability, disruption to education, and emotional stress. Access to independent legal advice can help children and families understand legal processes, navigate delays, and ensure their rights are protected.

Shortage of Specialist Legal Advice for Unaccompanied Children

A 2025 briefing on legal advice for asylum-seeking children by the Children’s Legal Centre Wales and the Bevan Foundation found that many unaccompanied children struggle to obtain legal representation despite being entitled to legal aid.

The report also found that in 38% of Welsh local authority areas, social workers rather than lawyers are the main professionals assisting children to access legal advice and representation.

This reliance on non-legal professionals illustrates the shortage of specialist legal services and raises concerns about whether children receive accurate and independent legal guidance. Without proper legal representation, children risk losing immigration status, experiencing delays in asylum decisions, and being exposed to exploitation or destitution.

Children’s Rights Framework in Wales

Wales has a strong policy framework recognising children’s rights, particularly through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Welsh Government policy emphasises the importance of ensuring children can access their rights and participate in decisions affecting them.

However, international bodies including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child have highlighted the need for child-friendly justice mechanisms and age-appropriate legal advice.

Without accessible and specialised legal services, children may be unable to exercise these rights effectively.

Conclusion

The evidence we are gathering points clearly to the need for dedicated legal advice services for children in Wales. Such services exist in other parts of the United Kingdom, for example through Just for Kids Law, Clan Childlaw in Scotland and the Northern Ireland Children’s Law Centre. Children need lawyers because understanding and utilising the law is a specialised business: it is not enough that a law exists if it can’t be used by those it is intended to protect. This is the gap we want to help to fill, prioritising those who evidence suggests face the greatest need, and working with partners in the unique context of Wales.

Sources on Children’s Access to Justice in Wales

Key Wales-Specific Reports