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282 <h2>
282 Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 This procedure applies to the placements of Looked After children in secure accommodation under
Section 25 Children Act 1989 - often referred to as being 'on welfare grounds'.
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 See also
290 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html">
290 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure
290 </a>
290 which deals with Remands to Youth Detention Accommodation (which includes Secure Children's Homes,
Secure Training Centres and Young Offender Institutions) in criminal proceedings.
290 </p>
291 <h3>
291 RELATED CHAPTER
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
292 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
292 </a>
292 </p>
293 <h3>
293 RELATED GUIDANCE
293 </h3>
294 <p>
294 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/306282/Statutory_g
uidance_on_court_orders_and_pre-proceedings.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
294 Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Court Orders and Pre-Proceedings (2014)
294 </a>
294 </p>
295 <p>
295 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/275695/ch_guidance
_final_master_for_pub_oct_2013.pdf#page=46" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
295 DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 5: Children's Homes - Statutory
Guidance for Local Authorities, 2013 (chapter 4)
295 </a>
295 </p>
296 <h3>
296 AMENDMENT
296 </h3>
297 <p>
297 This chapter was updated in April 2019 to fully reflect the updated guidance 'Secure children's
homes: how to place a child aged under 13 (July 2018)' (see
297 <a href="#twofour">
297 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
297 </a>
297 ).
297 </p>
298 </div>
299 <div id="sections">
301 <h3 id="sections_list">
301 Contents
301 </h3>
302 <ol>
303 <li>
303 <a href="#secure_accom">
303 Secure Accommodation Criteria
303 </a>
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 <a href="#section_25">
304 Children to Whom Section 25 Applies
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 <a href="#period">
305 Period of Secure Accommodation
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 <a href="#lac_not">
306 Looked After Children Who May Not be Placed in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#dec_place_sec">
307 Decision to Place in Secure Accommodation
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#twofour">
308 Placements of Children Under the Age of 13 Years
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#place_process">
309 Planned Placements
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#applying">
310 Applying for a Secure Accommodation Order
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#supp_mon_end">
311 Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 </ol>
313 <h3 id="secure_accom">
313 1. Secure Accommodation Criteria
313 </h3>
314 <p>
314 Section 25 of the Children Act 1989 sets out the 'welfare' criteria which must be met before a
Looked After Child may be placed in secure accommodation.
314 </p>
315 <p>
315 The 'welfare' criteria are that:
315 </p>
316 <ul>
317 <li>
317 The child has a history of absconding and is likely to abscond from any other description of
accommodation; and
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 If the child absconds, (s)he is likely to suffer Significant Harm; or
318 </li>
319 <li>
319 If the child is kept in any other description of accommodation (s)he is likely to injure
her/himself or others.
319 </li>
320 </ul>
321 <p>
321 <span class="bold">
321 NB
321 </span>
321 : only one of these two criteria above need be established. The welfare principle (established in
Section 1 the Children Act 1989), although it remains relevant, is not of paramount consideration
under Section 25.
321 </p>
322 <h3 id="section_25">
322 2. Children to Whom Section 25 Applies
322 </h3>
323 <p>
323 Section 25 only applies to 'Looked After' children, i.e. those children:
323 </p>
324 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
325 <li>
325 Who are accommodated (for at least 24 hours) under Section 20 Children Act 1989 (excluding those
over 16 and accommodated in a community home under Section 20(5)); or
325 </li>
326 <li>
326 Who are subject to a Care Order.
326 </li>
327 </ol>
328 <p>
328 In exceptional circumstances, if a child is not 'looked after' or the placement of the child is
thought to constitute a deprivation of the child's liberty, (even though it is not its primary
purpose), an application would need to be made to the High Court to exercise its inherent
jurisdiction. Such an approach would require careful consideration and include a full review of
the placement and the child's circumstances together with the Children's Services Legal Team.
328 </p>
329 <p>
329 Prior to admission to Secure Accommodation, a written agreement concerning the placement should be
made between the local authority and the parents to include the purpose of admission, expected
duration and the arrangements for bringing the placement to an end. (See also
329 <a href="#placement_planning">
329 Section 7.2, Placement Planning
329 </a>
329 .)
329 </p>
330 <h4>
330 2.1 Children Who Are 16 -17 Years of Age and Section 20 Accommodated
330 </h4>
331 <p>
331 Children Act 1989 Section 20 provides:
331 </p>
332 <ul>
333 <li>
333 Section 20 (3) - Every local authority shall provide accommodation for any child in need within
their area who has reached the age of sixteen and whose welfare the authority consider is likely
to be seriously prejudiced if they do not provide him/her with accommodation.
333 </li>
334 <li>
334 Section 20 (5) - A local authority may provide accommodation for any person who has reached the
age of sixteen but is under twenty-one in any community home which takes children who have
reached the age of sixteen if they consider that to do so would safeguard or promote his/her
welfare.
334 </li>
335 </ul>
336 <p>
336 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2015/2971.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
336 Re P (Application for Secure Accommodation Order) [2015] EWHC 2971 (Fam)
336 </a>
336 clarified the situation with regard to a child reaching the age of 16 years and Section 20
Accommodation:
336 </p>
337 <ul>
338 <li>
338 A child provided with accommodation under Section 20(3) Children Act 1989
338 <span class="bold">
338 may
338 </span>
338 be made subject to a Secure Accommodation Order;
338 </li>
339 <li>
339 However, a child provided with accommodation under Section 20(5) Children Act 1989
339 <span class="bold">
339 cannot
339 </span>
339 be made subject to a Secure Accommodation Order.
339 </li>
340 </ul>
341 <p>
341 Young people aged 16 or 17 years have the right to discharge themselves from Section 20(5)
accommodation and, consequently, from Secure Accommodation. Nevertheless, where the local
authority continues to have concerns about the safety of the young person, a decision should be
made as to whether to commence care proceedings and seek an Interim Care Order and Secure
Accommodation Order.
341 </p>
342 <h3 id="period">
342 3. Period of Secure Accommodation
342 </h3>
343 <p>
343 The use of secure accommodation should be for the minimum period necessary, following an
assessment of likely risk to the child, others and public safety.
343 </p>
344 <p>
344 A child must not continue to have his/her liberty restricted once the criteria cease to apply,
even if there is a Secure Accommodation Order still in existence. (See
344 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
344 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review Procedure
344 </a>
344 .)
344 </p>
345 <h4>
345 3.1 Without A Court Order
345 </h4>
346 <p>
346 The
346 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
346 Designated Manager (Secure Accommodation)
346 </a>
346 can approve such placements for up to 72 hours in an emergency. Only a Court can grant permission
for placements beyond 72 hours.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 A Looked After Child who meets the above criteria may be placed in secure accommodation for a
maximum period of 72 hours in any 28 days period without a Secure Accommodation Order.
347 </p>
348 <p>
348 <span class="bold">
348 Note:
348 </span>
348 Where a young person is under 13 the prior approval of the Secretary of State is required (see
348 <a href="#twofour">
348 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
348 </a>
348 ).
348 </p>
349 <p>
349 <span class="bold">
349 Weekends/Bank Holidays
349 </span>
349 </p>
350 <p>
350 The provisions are relaxed to cover the situation where the 72 hour period expires late on
Saturday, a Sunday or public holiday.
350 </p>
351 <p>
351 The Regulations provide that, where a child is placed in secure accommodation at any time between
12 midday on the day before and 12 midday on the day after a public holiday or a Sunday, and:
351 </p>
352 <ul>
353 <li>
353 During that period the maximum period of 72 hours expires; and
353 </li>
354 <li>
354 In the 27 days before the day on which s/he was placed in secure accommodation, s/he has been
placed and kept in secure accommodation for an aggregate of more than 48 hours,
354 </li>
355 </ul>
356 <p>
356 then, the maximum period (of 72 hours) shall be treated as if it did not expire until 12 midday on
the first working day after the public holiday or Sunday.
356 </p>
357 <h4>
357 3.2 With A Court Order
357 </h4>
358 <p>
358 A Court may authorise a child to be kept in Secure Accommodation for a maximum period of:
358 </p>
359 <ul>
360 <li>
360 3 months on the first application to the Court;
360 </li>
361 <li>
361 6 months on subsequent applications to the Court.
361 </li>
362 </ul>
363 <p>
363 <span class="bold">
363 NB
363 </span>
363 : Any time spent in Secure Accommodation prior to the Court Order is disregarded in respect of the
above time limits.
363 </p>
364 <h3 id="lac_not">
364 4. Looked After Children Who May Not be Placed in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds
364 </h3>
365 <p>
365 A Looked After child may not be placed in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds where he/she:
365 </p>
366 <ul>
367 <li>
367 Is under the age of 13 years, unless the Secretary of State gives prior specific approval (see
367 <a href="#twofour">
367 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
367 </a>
367 );
367 </li>
368 <li>
368 Is Accommodated and a parent/carer with Parental Responsibility objects to a secure placement. A
secure placement can then only be made via the Court;
368 </li>
369 <li>
369 Is detained under any provision of the Mental Health Act 1983;
369 </li>
370 <li>
371 <p>
371 Is being kept in police protection;
371 </p>
372 </li>
373 <li>
374 <p>
374 Is subject to a Child Assessment Order or Emergency Protection Order and who is being kept
away from home;
374 </p>
375 </li>
376 <li>
377 <p>
377 Is subject to Wardship - unless there is direction from the Judge exercising their inherent
jurisdiction;
377 </p>
378 </li>
379 <li>
380 <p>
380 Is subject to Section 53, Children and Young Persons Act 1933, (punishment of serious crimes).
380 </p>
381 </li>
382 </ul>
383 <h3 id="dec_place_sec">
383 5. Decision to Place in Secure Accommodation
383 </h3>
384 <h4 id="consultation">
384 5.1 Consultation
384 </h4>
385 <p>
385 At the point that it is determined that a placement in Secure Accommodation may be required, and
throughout the subsequent process of identification, planning and placement, the social worker
must consult and take account of the views of the following people:
385 </p>
386 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
387 <li>
387 The child;
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 The child's parents and those with Parental Responsibility;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 Anyone who is not a parent but has been caring for the child;
389 </li>
390 <li>
390 Other members of the child's family who are significant to the child;
390 </li>
391 <li>
391 The child's school and/or the Education Service;
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 The Youth Offending Team, if the child is known to them;
392 </li>
393 <li>
393 The child's Independent Visitor if appointed;
393 </li>
394 <li>
394 The local authority managing the secure accommodation in which the child is placed if this is
not the local authority with responsibility for looking after the child.
394 </li>
395 </ol>
396 <h4 id="approvals">
396 5.2 Approvals
396 </h4>
397 <p>
397 Any decision to place a child in a secure placement on welfare grounds can only be made with the
specific approval of the Director of Children's Services and, if made, must be notified to those
consulted and the child's Independent Visitor. Where the child does not have an Independent
Visitor, arrangements must be made for such an appointment as soon as practicable.
397 </p>
398 <p>
398 To seek the approval of the Director, the child's social worker must prepare a written report with
the following information:
398 </p>
399 <ul>
400 <li>
400 The child's name, address, date of birth, ethnicity, school and names of those with Parental
Responsibility;
400 </li>
401 <li>
401 The grounds/concerns/criteria/aims of the proposed secure placement;
401 </li>
402 <li>
402 The evidence that the criteria are met;
402 </li>
403 <li>
403 What alternatives have been tried/considered and the outcomes;
403 </li>
404 <li>
404 The view of the child and the parents/others who have Parental Responsibility;
404 </li>
405 <li>
405 The comments of the Team Manager;
405 </li>
406 <li>
406 Chronology.
406 </li>
407 </ul>
408 <p>
408 The Director of Children's Services will only approve a request to place a child in secure
accommodation where the following have been considered in a Legal Planning Meeting:
408 </p>
409 <ul>
410 <li>
410 The Criteria for Secure Placements as set out in
410 <a href="#secure_accom">
410 Section 1, Secure Accommodation Criteria
410 </a>
410 are met;
410 </li>
411 <li>
411 Secure accommodation is the only appropriate method of dealing with the child;
411 </li>
412 <li>
412 Alternatives have been comprehensively considered and rejected;
412 </li>
413 <li>
413 There is a clear view of the aims and objectives of such a placement.
413 </li>
414 </ul>
415 <p>
415 Where the Director of Children's Services agrees that a secure placement on welfare grounds is
appropriate, the social worker must contact Legal Services as a matter of urgency regarding the
application to Court for a Secure Accommodation Order.
415 </p>
416 <p>
416 In relation to a child under 13 years, the approval of the Secretary of State will also be
required and, after the approval of the Director of Children's Services has been obtained, a
written request should immediately be sent to the Secretary of State - see
416 <a href="#twofour">
416 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
416 </a>
416 .
416 </p>
417 <p>
417 The social worker should also book a secure escort for the hearing.
417 </p>
418 <p>
418 Where the placement is required before there is time to obtain a Secure Accommodation Order, the
Designated Manager (Secure Accommodation) can authorise the placement for up to a maximum of 72
hours.
418 </p>
419 <h3 id="twofour">
419 6. Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
419 </h3>
420 <p>
420 See also
420 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/secure-childrens-homes-how-to-place-a-child-aged-under-13"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
420 Department for Education Guidance - Secure Children's Homes: How to Place a Child aged under 13
420 </a>
420 . (
420 <span class="bold">
420 Note
420 </span>
420 this contains contact details for the DfE Children in care team).
420 </p>
421 <p>
421 A placement of a child under the age of 13 years can only be made with the approval of the
Secretary of State. This summarises the procedures for obtaining approval.
421 </p>
422 <h4>
422 6.1 Telephone Discussion with the Department for Education
422 </h4>
423 <p>
423 Some initial information will be taken over the phone, such as:
423 </p>
424 <ul>
425 <li>
425 The name and date of birth of the child concerned;
425 </li>
426 <li>
426 The reasons why a secure placement is required;
426 </li>
427 <li>
427 Details of what alternatives to a secure placement the local authority have considered and why
it is thought a secure placement is more appropriate;
427 </li>
428 <li>
428 Confirmation of whether an identified bed is available;
428 </li>
429 <li>
429 Confirmation of whether the child is with the applicant or whether they are missing from care
(having run away);
429 </li>
430 <li>
430 Details of when the local authority will go to court to seek a Secure Accommodation Order for
the child;
430 </li>
431 <li>
431 Confirmation of whether you have approached the Secure Welfare Co-ordination Unit (SWCU) to
submit your referral.
431 </li>
432 </ul>
433 <h4>
433 6.2 Email Documentation will be Requested
433 </h4>
434 <p>
434 This written documentation will include the following:
434 </p>
435 <ul>
436 <li>
436 A letter signed at assistant director level or above explaining why you are applying, which
should include:
437 <ul>
438 <li>
438 Confirmation that they have reviewed the application and in their view the section 25
criteria are met;
438 </li>
439 <li>
439 Confirmation that they have taken advice from their legal department.
439 </li>
440 </ul>
441 </li>
442 <li>
442 A full written history/chronology of the child and whether the child is with the local authority
or absent; this should include a record of recent incidents, covering at least the last 3
months, which gives evidence of how the section 25 criteria are met;
442 </li>
443 <li>
443 A detailed care plan that covers the period the child will be in secure accommodation, which as
a minimum should include:
444 <ul>
445 <li>
445 Confirmation that the section 25 criteria are met;
445 </li>
446 <li>
446 The alternatives to a secure placement that have been tried or considered;
446 </li>
447 <li>
447 Explanation of why the local authority thinks a secure placement is the best option for the
child;
447 </li>
448 <li>
448 What the aims of the secure placement are;
448 </li>
449 <li>
449 What the young person's needs and challenges are and how these will be addressed during the
secure placement, including expectations of the secure provider;
449 </li>
450 <li>
450 What the exit strategy is for the young person's return back into the community or another
placement;
450 </li>
451 <li>
451 Confirmation of the intended initial length of the secure accommodation order or placement;
451 </li>
452 <li>
452 A list of assessments, for example psychiatric, psychological or health, that have been or
will be carried out during the secure placement;
452 </li>
453 <li>
453 Identification of any therapeutic provision that will be required;
453 </li>
454 <li>
454 The intended outcomes from the secure placement or preparation for transition.
454 </li>
455 </ul>
456 </li>
457 </ul>
458 <p>
458 The Department for Education will discuss this information with appropriate inspectors at the
Regulatory Authority, who will make a recommendation as to whether the Secretary of State's
approval should be given. The Department for Education will then consider and advise the local
authority of the Secretary of State's decision. This will usually be the same day and a
certificate will also be sent out.
458 </p>
459 <h4>
459 6.3 Out of Hours
459 </h4>
460 <p>
460 Local authorities should ensure that, in order to expedite early decisions, applications for the
Secretary of State's approval are made during office hours. However, where in exceptional
circumstances this is not possible, the local authority should telephone the Out of Hours Care
Duty Officer at the Department for Education.
460 </p>
461 <p>
461 As long as the criteria for Section 25 are met and are deemed appropriate, verbal approval can be
given. An e-mail confirming the approval of the assistant director level (or above) along with the
documentation that supports the application needs to be sent the following working day. Once the
documents have been assessed a certificate will be issued that confirms the Secretary of
State's approval.
461 </p>
462 <h3 id="place_process">
462 7. Planned Placements
462 </h3>
463 <h4 id="place_req">
463 7.1 Placement Request, Identification and Approval
463 </h4>
464 <p>
464 Where the child's social worker considers that a Looked After Child requires a secure placement,
and following agreement with the Agency Decision Maker, the social worker should complete the
Placement Request form on the child's electronic records and assigned it to the Placement
Service. The Placement Service should then contact the Secure Central Referral Point via the
following email address in order to identify a suitable placement.
464 </p>
465 <p>
465 E-mail:
465 <a href="mailto:securewelfare@private.hants.gov.uk">
465 securewelfare@private.hants.gov.uk
465 </a>
465 .
465 </p>
466 <p>
466 Central Referral Point will require basic information, including legal status, reasons why a
secure placement is needed and details of any specific behavioural problems or offences e.g.
arson, sexually abusive or violent behaviour.
466 </p>
467 <p>
467 The terms and conditions of the placement must be approved by the Designated Manager (Secure
Accommodation) and included in the contract with the provider in relation to the placement.
467 </p>
468 <p>
468 If a placement is offered, the home is likely to need written confirmation of an undertaking to
pay the stated fee and, where relevant, written confirmation of authorisation for a 72 hours
placement, together with copies of the Interim Care or full Care Order and the DfE
'Certificate' for Children under 13 years. A copy of the Secure Order (when such an application
has been made) will also be required in all cases.
468 </p>
469 <p>
469 <span class="bold">
469 Note
469 </span>
469 - Placements in Scotland:
469 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/16/schedule/1/enacted" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
469 Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017
469 </a>
469 which came into force in May 2017, now enables local authorities to make placements in Secure
accommodation under Sect 25 (1989 Children Act) by amending: the Children Act 1989; the
Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 and Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Consequential
and Transitional Provisions, etc.) 2013; The Children (Secure Accommodation) Regulations 1991;
Secure Accommodation (Scotland) Regulations 2013 and Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act
2014.
469 </p>
470 <p>
470 The issue of restrictions to local authority support for children living abroad (Schedule 2,
Children Act 1989) no longer apply to a child placed in secure accommodation in Scotland under
Section 25.
470 </p>
471 <h4 id="placement_planning">
471 7.2 Placement Planning
471 </h4>
472 <p>
472 Each secure unit will have its own Placement Planning Procedure and therefore, once a placement
has been identified, the social worker should liaise directly with the provider to establish this.
472 </p>
473 <p>
473 Before the child is placed, the child's social worker will liaise with the manager of the home to
arrange a Placement Planning Meeting. If this is not possible prior to the placement, it must be
held in order that the Placement Plan is completed within 5 working days of the start of the
placement.
473 </p>
474 <p>
474 The child, parents, and any other significant family members and relevant professionals should be
invited to attend.
474 </p>
475 <p>
475 The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the child and the Care Plan,
complete/update the necessary documentation about the child, plan the timing of the placement and
ensure that a Placement Plan/Placement Information Record is drawn up.
475 </p>
476 <p>
476 The Placement Plan should cover the same issues as those listed in
476 <a href="p_place_resi_care.html">
476 Placements in Residential Care Procedure
476 </a>
476 .
476 </p>
477 <p>
477 Following the meeting, the child's social worker will complete and arrange for the circulation of
the Care Plan to the child, parents, IRO and manager of the Unit. The child's social worker and
manager of the Unit will arrange for the Placement Plan/Placement Information Record to be drawn
up and circulated to the child and parents.
477 </p>
478 <p>
478 The child's social worker must provide the child and parents with written information about the
Looked After Service. The social worker must also ensure that the child is provided with
information on using the authority's Complaints Procedure. (See
478 <a href="p_reps_complaints.html">
478 Children's Social Care Statutory Complaints Procedure
478 </a>
478 .)
478 </p>
479 <p>
479 The social worker should ensure that any Children's Guide or other information about the placement
that is available for the child is obtained and given to him/her.
479 </p>
480 <p>
480 In all cases, the child should be accompanied to the placement by the social worker and helped to
settle in.
480 </p>
481 <h4 id="notif_place">
481 7.3 Notification of Placement
481 </h4>
482 <p>
482 The Placement Service must ensure that the relevant finance officer of the placement is notified
of the placement within one working day (so that the appropriate arrangements to pay the provider
are in place). The child's social worker must then update the child's electronic records.
482 </p>
483 <p>
483 The social worker must also ensure that notification of the placement is sent to the Independent
Reviewing Officer, the health clinical commissioning group (CCG) and education services (including
the Virtual Head), the child's GP and Children's Services for the area where the child is placed.
483 </p>
484 <p>
484 The notifications must advise of the placement decision, the name and address of the new carers,
details relating to the child's contact with parents and the arrangements related to the care and
welfare of the child.
484 </p>
485 <p>
485 Notification of the placement must also be sent by the child's social worker to all family members
consulted and involved in the decision-making process.
485 </p>
486 <p>
486 The social worker must also ensure that the child is registered with a GP, Dentist and Optician;
the child's home Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and the CCG for the area where the child is
placed (as this is likely to be different from the child's home CCG) should be informed also. The
social worker should also ensure that a Health Care Assessment takes place as necessary. (
486 <span class="bold">
486 Note
486 </span>
486 : where a child moves into another CCG area, any treatment or service should be continued
uninterrupted.)
486 </p>
487 <p>
487 The notification should be before the start of the placement or within 5 working days.
487 </p>
488 <p>
488 The social worker must also confirm the placement within 24 hours by email to the Designated
Manager (Secure Accommodation).
488 </p>
489 <p>
489 The social worker must also notify the child's Independent Reviewing Officer, and make
arrangements for a review meeting within 28 days - see
489 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
489 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
489 </a>
489 .
489 </p>
490 <p>
490 <span class="bold">
490 Note
490 </span>
490 : The child's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review is distinct and separate from the Looked
After Review.
490 </p>
491 <h3 id="applying">
491 8. Applying for a Secure Accommodation Order
491 </h3>
492 <p>
492 The child's social worker must liaise with Legal Services regarding the preparation of evidence to
support the application, including a Care Plan with the aims and objectives of the placement set
out and details of the intended plan to return the child to open conditions.
492 </p>
493 <p>
493 The social worker should prepare the child for the Court hearing, by explaining the procedure and
the possible outcomes, and by advising him or her of the right to be legally represented at the
hearing.
493 </p>
494 <h4>
494 8.1 The Application
494 </h4>
495 <ul>
496 <li>
496 Must be made on
496 <a
href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data
/file/687733/c1-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
496 Form C1
496 </a>
496 , with
496 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-c20-supplement-for-an-application-for-an-o
rder-to-hold-a-child-in-secure-accommodation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
496 supplement C20
496 </a>
496 ;
496 </li>
497 <li>
497 Served on the appropriate respondents;
497 </li>
498 <li>
498 On notice to all respondents and relevant parties, (and their legal representatives if those are
known at the time of the Secure Application). These are:
499 <ul>
500 <li>
500 Every person who is believed to have Parental Responsibility for the child;
500 </li>
501 <li>
501 Where the child is subject to a Care Order, every person whom it is believed had Parental
Responsibility immediately prior to the making of a Care Order;
501 </li>
502 <li>
502 Any person with whom the child is living at the time the proceedings commenced;
502 </li>
503 <li>
503 The child;
503 </li>
504 <li>
504 Any person providing refuge, e.g. Voluntary Home or Children's Home certified under
504 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/51" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
504 Section 51(1)
504 </a>
504 and Section 52(2) Children Act 1989;
504 </li>
505 <li>
505 The local authority providing accommodation for the child, (if this is not the responsible
authority).
505 </li>
506 </ul>
507 </li>
508 </ul>
509 <p>
509 Once made, an application can only be withdrawn with the permission of the court.
509 </p>
510 <p>
510 <span class="bold">
510 7 days before the date of the hearing (unless the court has directed a shorter period),
respondents should be served with
510 </span>
510 :
510 </p>
511 <ul>
512 <li>
512 A copy of the application with the hearing date endorsed;
512 </li>
513 <li>
513 A notice of the proceedings with the date and place of the hearing;
513 </li>
514 <li>
514 The evidence which is relied upon in support of the application for a secure order; viz:
515 <ul>
516 <li>
516 The written statement relied on in support of the application;
516 </li>
517 <li>
517 Other relevant reports from specialists or experts or other documents;
517 </li>
518 <li>
518 A detailed copy of the Care Plan.
518 </li>
519 </ul>
520 </li>
521 </ul>
522 <p>
522 The Care Plan should detail, as far as possible, the care arrangements for the child, education
provision and any other professional support, both within the Secure Accommodation and after the
placement ends.
522 </p>
523 <h4>
523 8.2 Interim Orders
523 </h4>
524 <p>
524 An adjournment may be justified either for reasons of procedural fairness or in order to obtain
further information. Otherwise, the court should proceed to consider the substantive application.
524 </p>
525 <p>
525 Where a court adjourns an application for a secure accommodation order, it may make an interim
order permitting the child to be kept in secure accommodation during the period of adjournment.
525 </p>
526 <p>
526 The child/local authority may appeal to the High Court against the making, or refusal to make, an
order.
526 </p>
527 <h3 id="supp_mon_end">
527 9. Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements
527 </h3>
528 <h4 id="supp_monit">
528 9.1 Support and Monitoring of Placements
528 </h4>
529 <p>
529 The child's social worker must visit the child in the placement within one week of the placement
and then every six weeks; see procedures in
529 <a href="p_sw_visits.html">
529 Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children Procedure
529 </a>
529 .
529 </p>
530 <p>
530 Once the Secure Accommodation Criteria Review establishes that the child no longer meets the
criteria for Section 25 Secure Accommodation, it will be important that the exit plan/Care Plan is
expedited, (see
530 <a href="#period">
530 Section 3, Period of Secure Accommodation
530 </a>
530 ).
530 </p>
531 <p>
531 It is therefore important that the placement is carefully monitored with regard to the child's
progress, both in terms of any additional specialist assessments that may be required and
commissioned, and also in respect of the 'exit plan' that will have been established at the point
of admission and subsequent Looked After Reviews.
531 </p>
532 <p>
532 Where children are Section 20 Accommodated, then it will be particularly important to maintain
visits and communication with the parents and others who have Parental Responsibility.
532 </p>
533 <p>
533 If the parent does not agree with the nature of the exit placement required which is being, or has
been, assessed and considered as meeting the child's needs, then urgent consideration must be made
as to whether Care Proceedings are required. (See
533 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
533 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline Procedure
533 </a>
533 .)
533 </p>
534 <p>
534 Many children's placements in Secure Accommodation go well in the light of the clear structure and
regime that such Units offer and feedback from staff / specialist reports should seek to focus on:
the child's insight into their behaviour; development of confidence and self esteem; relationships
with other residents, staff and family; progress in areas such as education and health/emotional
health, (which may well have been of concern previously), etc.
534 </p>
535 <p>
535 <span class="bold">
535 9.1.2 Mobility
535 </span>
535 </p>
536 <p>
536 A sign of progress will be when the child achieves 'mobility' and is allowed out of the Unit
albeit on an escorted basis and in a planned way.
536 </p>
537 <p>
537 The Secure Accommodation Unit will seek permission from the social worker for mobility and this
should be responded to promptly. The Unit should provide details of the activity to be undertaken,
together with the support and management of that to ensure the young person continues to be
safeguarded and does not abscond.
537 </p>
538 <p>
538 Written agreement for mobility should be provided by the Nominated Officer, who should have all
the necessary information, including a report on the child's progress, to make the decision.
538 </p>
539 <h4>
539 9.2 Ending of Placements
539 </h4>
540 <p>
540 'Timing' for the next, exit placement is often not easy but is clearly important. Planning for the
exit placement should not be left until before the next Secure Accommodation Order Hearing, or
when the Order lapses, given that the criteria for Secure Accommodation may no longer be met
before either of these events. Progressing the exit placement should begin significantly before it
is thought the child will be ready and will start by researching possible options and exchanging
some information etc.
540 </p>
541 <p>
541 Identifying a specific placement should therefore be made in a timely way so as to ensure the
proposed placement has all the relevant and most up to date information, as well as positively
being able to reflect on the progress the child may have made.
541 </p>
542 <p>
542 Irrespective of the child's legal status, the parents/those with Parental Responsibility, should
be involved and consulted about the exit placement.
542 </p>
543 <p>
543 Clearly, if the child is Section 20 Accommodated, then agreement with the parent is required.
543 </p>
544 <p>
544 Transferring to the Exit placement should be undertaken as for any Looked After Child.
544 </p>
545 <p>
545 When leaving the secure accommodation begins to emerge as a possibility, a discussion with the
child about transition from the secure accommodation should be undertaken and the future carers or
staff should visit the child in the secure accommodation placement to ensure a full exchange of
information as well as an introduction.
545 </p>
546 <p>
546 A visit by the child to the next placement should be undertaken where possible.
546 </p>
547 <p>
547 See also
547 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
547 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
547 </a>
547 .
547 </p>
548 <p>
548 When the child has transferred from the Secure Accommodation Unit, the child's social worker
should notify the relevant finance officer within one working day of the placement ending (so that
the arrangements to pay the provider will be terminated) and update the child's electronic record.
548 </p>
549 <p>
549 The social worker should also inform all those notified of the placement (including the IRO) that
the placement has ended.
549 </p>
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