united-kingdom
Is it legal to lock a minor inside the house?
<p>My son is 15 and has autism/adhd.  Sometimes we have to lock the doors to prevent him leaving as his behaviour can be unacceptable in the community. Is this legal?  And when does it become illegal (false imprisonment presumably) - at age 16 or 18?</p>

<p>I'm assuming that you are locking him inside the house with a responsible adult, rather than locking him in his room alone for a long period of time. The latter would probably be considered neglect or abuse. There is no hard law on exactly what measures parents may take so any case would have to be considered on its merits.</p>

<p>Legally <a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-protection-system/legal-definition-child-rights-law/legal-definitions/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">any person under 18</a> is considered to be a child. As parents <a href="https://www.gov.uk/parental-rights-responsibilities" rel="nofollow noreferrer">you are responsible</a> for keeping your child safe, educated, disciplined etc, so the answer to the second part of your question is "On his 18th birthday".</p>

<p>If you believe that your son would present a danger to himself or others after age 18 then you should <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/sectioning/family-members/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">speak to a mental health professional</a>. </p>

<p>If you are concerned that your son may not have the mental capacity to take on adult responsibilities then you can ask to be <a href="https://www.gov.uk/become-deputy" rel="nofollow noreferrer">made a deputy for him</a> (England and Wales) or get a <a href="https://www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk/guardianship-orders" rel="nofollow noreferrer">guardianship order</a> (Scotland). This can start once he is 16, as 16 year old children do have <a href="https://fullfact.org/law/legal-age-limits/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">some rights</a> to conduct their own affairs. </p>
