20.This section enables the Secretary of State, by means of an Order subject to affirmative procedure, to apply the Protection of Children Act arrangements to adults who are suffering from mental impairment as defined in section 12(1). Since the situation of such adults is in practice indistinguishable from that of the children the Act desires to protect, it follows that they should receive the same protection in due course.
Commentary on Sections Section 10 – Supplemental