The relatives of severely learning disabled people living in care have told ITV News they are being restricted or banned from visiting them after complaining about negligent care.
Forty-five families have come forward to say they have had their visiting rights removed or restricted by private care companies and local councils directly after raising concerns about the way their loved ones are being treated.
A further five families said they have been threatened with the same if they continued to complain.
Lawyers and disability charities have told ITV News they are seeing the use of so-called “contact restrictions” increasing, as more councils struggle to find alternative care for people with learning disabilities whose families complain, and so side with care providers to avoid care places being withdrawn.
Families are also unable to speak out publicly about the restrictions due to court orders preventing their vulnerable relatives from being identified. Those not subject to court-approved rules say they fear “punishment” by care providers if they do.
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