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136 <h1>
136 Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 This procedure applies to the placements of Children in Care in secure accommodation under
Section 25 Children Act 1989 - often referred to as being 'on welfare grounds'.
144 </p>
145 <p>
145 See also
145 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html">
145 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure
145 </a>
145 which deals with remands to youth detention accommodation (which includes Secure
Children's Homes, Secure Training Centres and Young Offender Institutions) in criminal
proceedings.
145 </p>
146 <p class="bold">
146 RELATED GUIDANCE
147 </p>
148 <p>
148 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
148 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
148 </a>
148 </p>
149 <p class="bold">
149 RELATED GUIDANCE
150 </p>
151 <p>
151 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/306282/Statu
tory_guidance_on_court_orders_and_pre-proceedings.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
151 Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Court Orders and Pre-Proceedings (2014)
151 </a>
151 </p>
152 <p>
152 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/275695/ch_gu
idance_final_master_for_pub_oct_2013.pdf#page=46" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
152 DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 5: Children's Homes - Statutory
Guidance for Local Authorities, 2013 (chapter 4)
152 </a>
152 .
152 </p>
153 </div>
160 <div class="section">
160 <h2 id="secure_accom">
160 1. Secure Accommodation Criteria
160 </h2>
161 <p>
161 Section 25 of the Children Act 1989 sets out the 'welfare' criteria which must be met before
a Child in Care may be placed in secure accommodation.
161 </p>
162 <p>
162 The 'welfare' criteria are that:
162 </p>
163 <ul>
164 <li>
164 The child has a history of absconding and is likely to abscond from any other description
of accommodation; and
164 </li>
165 <li>
165 If the child absconds, (s)he is likely to suffer significant harm; or
165 </li>
166 <li>
166 If the child is kept in any other description of accommodation (s)he is likely to injure
her/himself or others.
166 </li>
167 </ul>
168 <p>
168 <span class="bold">
168 N.B.
168 </span>
168 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.
168 </p>
169 </div>
170 <div class="section1">
170 </div>
176 <div class="section">
176 <h2 id="sect_25">
176 2. Children to Whom Section 25 Applies
176 </h2>
177 <p>
177 Section 25 only applies to 'Looked After' children, i.e. those children:
177 </p>
178 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
179 <li>
179 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
179 </li>
180 <li>
180 Who are subject to a Care Order.
180 </li>
181 </ol>
182 <p>
182 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.
182 </p>
183 <p>
183 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
183 <a href="#placement_planning">
183 Section 7.2, Placement Planning
183 </a>
183 .)
183 </p>
184 <h3>
184 2.1 Children Who Are 16 - 17 Years of Age and Section 20 Accommodated
184 </h3>
185 <p>
185 Children Act 1989 Section 20 provides:
185 </p>
186 <ul>
187 <li>
187 Section 20 (3) - Every local authority shall provide accommodation for any child in need
within their area who has reached the age of 16 and whose welfare the authority consider
is likely to be seriously prejudiced if they do not provide them with accommodation;
187 </li>
188 <li>
188 Section 20 (5) - A local authority may provide accommodation for any person who has
reached the age of 16 but is under twenty-one in any community home which takes children
who have reached the age of 16 if they consider that to do so would safeguard or promote
their welfare.
188 </li>
189 </ul>
190 <p>
190 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2015/2971.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
190 Re P (Application for Secure Accommodation Order) [2015] EWHC 2971
190 </a>
190 clarified the situation with regard to a child reaching the age of 16 years and Section 20
Accommodation:
190 </p>
191 <ul>
192 <li>
192 A child provided with accommodation under Section 20(3) Children Act 1989
192 <span class="bold">
192 may
192 </span>
192 be made subject to a Secure Accommodation Order;
192 </li>
193 <li>
193 However, a child provided with accommodation under Section 20(5) Children Act 1989
193 <span class="bold">
193 cannot
193 </span>
193 be made subject to a Secure Accommodation Order.
193 </li>
194 </ul>
195 <p>
195 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.
195 </p>
196 </div>
197 <div class="section1">
197 </div>
203 <div class="section">
203 <h2 id="period">
203 3. Period of Secure Accommodation
203 </h2>
204 <p>
204 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.
204 </p>
205 <p>
205 A child must not continue to have their liberty restricted once the criteria cease to apply,
even if there is a Secure Accommodation Order still in existence. (See
205 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
205 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review Procedure
205 </a>
205 .)
205 </p>
206 <h3>
206 3.1 Without A Court Order
206 </h3>
207 <p>
207 The
207 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#secure_accom">
207 Designated Manager (Secure Accommodation)
207 </a>
207 can approve such placements for up to 72 hours in an emergency. Only a Court can grant
permission for placements beyond 72 hours.
207 </p>
208 <p>
208 A Child in Care 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.
208 </p>
209 <p>
209 <span class="bold">
209 Note
209 </span>
209 : Where a young person is under 13 the prior approval of the Secretary of State is required
(see
209 <a href="#under">
209 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
209 </a>
209 ).
209 </p>
210 <p class="bold">
210 Weekends/Bank Holidays
210 </p>
211 <p>
211 The provisions are relaxed to cover the situation where the 72 hour period expires late on
Saturday, a Sunday or public holiday.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 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:
212 </p>
213 <ul>
214 <li>
214 During that period the maximum period of 72 hours expires; and
214 </li>
215 <li>
215 In the 27 days before the day on which they were placed in secure accommodation, they have
been placed and kept in secure accommodation for an aggregate of more than 48 hours, 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.
215 </li>
216 </ul>
217 <h3>
217 3.2 With a Court Order
217 </h3>
218 <p>
218 A Court may authorise a child to be kept in Secure Accommodation for a maximum period of:
218 </p>
219 <ul>
220 <li>
220 3 months on the first application to the Court;
220 </li>
221 <li>
221 6 months on subsequent applications to the Court.
221 </li>
222 </ul>
223 <p>
223 <span class="bold">
223 N.B.
223 </span>
223 Any time spent in Secure Accommodation prior to the Court Order is disregarded in respect of
the above time limits.
223 </p>
224 </div>
225 <div class="section1">
225 </div>
231 <div class="section">
231 <h2 id="lac_not">
231 4. Children in Care Who May Not be Placed in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds
231 </h2>
232 <p>
232 A Child in Care may not be placed in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds where they:
232 </p>
233 <ul>
234 <li>
234 Are under the age of 13 years, unless the Secretary of State gives prior specific approval
(see
234 <a href="#under">
234 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 years
234 </a>
234 );
234 </li>
235 <li>
235 Are Accommodated and a parent/carer with Parental Responsibility objects to a secure
placement. A secure placement can then only be made via the Court - seeking an Interim
Care Order or Secure Accommodation Order;
235 </li>
236 <li>
236 Are detained under any provision of the Mental Health Act 1983;
236 </li>
237 <li>
237 Are being kept in police protection;
237 </li>
238 <li>
238 Are subject to a Child Assessment Order or Emergency Protection Order and who is being
kept away from home;
238 </li>
239 <li>
239 Are subject to Wardship - unless there is direction from the Judge exercising their
inherent jurisdiction;
239 </li>
240 <li>
240 Are subject to Section 53, Children and Young Persons Act 1933, (punishment of serious
crimes).
240 </li>
241 </ul>
242 </div>
243 <div class="section1">
243 </div>
249 <div class="section">
249 <h2 id="dec_place_sec">
249 5. Decision to Place in Secure Accommodation
249 </h2>
250 <h3>
250 5.1
250 <a id="consultation">
250 </a>
250 Consultation
250 </h3>
251 <p>
251 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:
251 </p>
252 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
253 <li>
253 The child;
253 </li>
254 <li>
254 The child's parents and those with parental responsibility;
254 </li>
255 <li>
255 Anyone who is not a parent but has been caring for the child;
255 </li>
256 <li>
256 Other members of the child's family who are significant to the child;
256 </li>
257 <li>
257 The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO);
257 </li>
258 <li>
258 The child's school and/or the Education Service;
258 </li>
259 <li>
259 The Youth Offending Team, if the child is known to them;
259 </li>
260 <li>
260 The child's independent visitor if appointed;
260 </li>
261 <li>
261 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.
261 </li>
262 </ol>
263 <h3>
263 5.2
263 <a id="approvals">
263 </a>
263 Approvals
263 </h3>
264 <p>
264 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.
264 </p>
265 <p>
265 To seek the approval of the Director, the child's social worker must prepare a written
report with the following information:
265 </p>
266 <ul>
267 <li>
267 The child's name, address, date of birth, ethnicity, school and names of those with
Parental Responsibility;
267 </li>
268 <li>
268 The grounds/concerns/criteria/aims of the proposed secure placement;
268 </li>
269 <li>
269 The evidence that the criteria are met;
269 </li>
270 <li>
270 What alternatives have been tried/considered and the outcomes;
270 </li>
271 <li>
271 The view of the child and the parents/others who have Parental Responsibility;
271 </li>
272 <li>
272 The comments of the Team Manager;
272 </li>
273 <li>
273 Chronology.
273 </li>
274 </ul>
275 <p>
275 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:
275 </p>
276 <ul>
277 <li>
277 The Criteria for Secure Placements as set out in
277 <a href="#secure_accom">
277 Section 1, Secure Accommodation Criteria
277 </a>
277 are met;
277 </li>
278 <li>
278 Secure accommodation is the only appropriate method of dealing with the child;
278 </li>
279 <li>
279 Alternatives have been comprehensively considered and rejected;
279 </li>
280 <li>
280 There is a clear view of the aims and objectives of such a placement.
280 </li>
281 </ul>
282 <p>
282 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.
282 </p>
283 <p>
283 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
283 <a href="#under">
283 Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 years
283 </a>
283 .
283 </p>
284 <p>
284 The social worker should also book a secure escort for the hearing.
284 </p>
285 <p>
285 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.
285 </p>
286 </div>
287 <div class="section1">
287 </div>
293 <div class="section">
293 <h2 id="under">
293 6. Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years
293 </h2>
294 <p>
294 See also
294 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/secure-childrens-homes-how-to-place-a-child-aged-under-13
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
294 Department for Education Guidance - Secure Children's Homes: How to Place a Child aged
under 13
294 </a>
294 .
294 </p>
295 <p>
295 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.
295 </p>
296 <h3>
296 6.1 Telephone Discussion with the Department of Education
296 </h3>
297 <p>
297 See Department for Education for contact information.
297 </p>
298 <p>
298 Some initial information will be taken over the phone, such as:
298 </p>
299 <ul>
300 <li>
300 The name and date of birth of the child concerned;
300 </li>
301 <li>
301 The reasons why a secure placement is required;
301 </li>
302 <li>
302 Details of what alternatives to a secure placement the local authority have considered and
why it is thought a secure placement is more appropriate;
302 </li>
303 <li>
303 Confirmation of whether an identified bed is available;
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 Confirmation of whether the child is with the applicant or whether they are missing from
care (having run away);
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 Details of when the local authority will go to court to seek a Secure Accommodation Order
for the child;
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 Confirmation of whether you have approached the Secure Welfare Co-ordination Unit (SWCU)
to submit your referral.
306 </li>
307 </ul>
308 <h3>
308 6.2 E-mail Documentation will be Requested
308 </h3>
309 <p>
309 This written documentation will include the following:
309 </p>
310 <ul>
311 <li>
311 A letter signed at assistant director level or above explaining why you are applying,
which should include:
312 <ul>
313 <li>
313 Confirmation that they have reviewed the application and in their view the section 25
criteria are met;
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 Confirmation that they have taken advice from their legal department.
314 </li>
315 </ul>
316 </li>
317 <li>
317 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;
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 A detailed care plan that covers the period the child will be in secure accommodation,
which as a minimum should include:
319 <ul>
320 <li>
320 Confirmation that the section 25 criteria are met;
320 </li>
321 <li>
321 The alternatives to a secure placement that have been tried or considered;
321 </li>
322 <li>
322 Explanation of why the local authority thinks a secure placement is the best option
for the child;
322 </li>
323 <li>
323 What the aims of the secure placement are;
323 </li>
324 <li>
324 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;
324 </li>
325 <li>
325 What the exit strategy is for the young person's return back into the community or
another placement;
325 </li>
326 <li>
326 Confirmation of the intended initial length of the secure accommodation order or
placement;
326 </li>
327 <li>
327 A list of assessments, for example psychiatric, psychological or health, that have
been or will be carried out during the secure placement;
327 </li>
328 <li>
328 Identification of any therapeutic provision that will be required;
328 </li>
329 <li>
329 The intended outcomes from the secure placement or preparation for transition.
329 </li>
330 </ul>
331 </li>
332 </ul>
333 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.
334 <h3>
334 6.3 Out of Hours
334 </h3>
335 <p>
335 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.
335 </p>
336 As long as the criteria for Section 25 are met and are deemed appropriate, verbal approval can
be given. An email 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.
336 </div>
337 <div class="section1">
337 </div>
343 <div class="section">
343 <h2 id="place_process">
343 7. Planned Placements
343 </h2>
344 <h3>
344 7.1
344 <a id="place_req">
344 </a>
344 Placement Request, Identification and Approval
344 </h3>
345 <p>
345 Where the child's social worker considers that a Child in Care requires a secure placement,
and following agreement with the Agency Decision Maker, the social worker should contact the
345 <a href="http://www.securechildrenshomes.org.uk/referrals-new/" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
345 Secure Children's Homes (Referrals)
345 </a>
345 in order to identify a suitable placement.
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 Each secure unit contacted will require basic information, including legal status, reasons
why a secure placement is needed and details of any arson/criminal damage, violence, harmful
sexual behaviour and concerns around child criminal or sexual exploitation.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 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.
347 </p>
348 <p>
348 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.
348 </p>
349 <p>
349 <span class="bold">
349 Note - Placements in Scotland
349 </span>
349 :
349 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/16/schedule/1/enacted" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
349 Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017
349 </a>
349 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.
349 </p>
350 <p>
350 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.
350 </p>
351 <h3>
351 7.2
351 <a id="placement_planning">
351 </a>
351 Placement Planning
351 </h3>
352 <p>
352 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.
352 </p>
353 <p>
353 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.
353 </p>
354 <p>
354 The child, parents, and any other significant family members and relevant professionals
should be invited to attend.
354 </p>
355 <p>
355 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.
355 </p>
356 <p>
356 The Placement Plan should cover the same issues as those listed in
356 <a href="p_place_resi_care.html">
356 Placements in Residential Care Procedure
356 </a>
356 .
356 </p>
357 <p>
357 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.
357 </p>
358 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
358 <a href="p_reps_complaints.html">
358 Complaints and Representations Procedure
358 </a>
358 ).
359 <p>
359 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 them.
359 </p>
360 In all cases, the child should be accompanied to the placement by the social worker and helped
to settle in.
361 <h3>
361 7.3
361 <a id="notif_place">
361 </a>
361 Notification of Placement
361 </h3>
362 <p>
362 The child's social worker must ensure that the relevant finance officer of the placement is
notified of the placement within 1 working day (so that the appropriate arrangements to pay
the provider are in place) and update the child's electronic records.
362 </p>
363 <p>
363 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.
363 </p>
364 <p>
364 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.
364 </p>
365 <p>
365 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.
365 </p>
366 <p>
366 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. (
366 <span class="bold">
366 Note
366 </span>
366 : where a child moves into another CCG area, any treatment or service should be continued
uninterrupted).
366 </p>
367 <p>
367 The notification should be before the start of the placement or within 5 working days.
367 </p>
368 <p>
368 The social worker must also confirm the placement within 24 hours by e-mail to the
Designated Manager (Secure Accommodation).
368 </p>
369 <p>
369 The social worker must also notify the child's independent reviewing officer, and make
arrangements for a review meeting within 28 days - see
369 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
369 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
369 </a>
369 .
369 </p>
370 <p>
370 <span class="bold">
370 Note
370 </span>
370 : The child's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review is distinct and separate from the Case
Review.
370 </p>
371 </div>
372 <div class="section1">
372 </div>
378 <div class="section">
378 <h2 id="applying">
378 8. Applying for a Secure Accommodation Order
378 </h2>
379 <p>
379 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.
379 </p>
380 <p>
380 The social worker should prepare the child for the Court hearing, by explaining the
procedure and the possible outcomes, and by advising them of their right to be legally
represented at the hearing.
380 </p>
381 <h3>
381 8.1 The Application
381 </h3>
382 <ul>
383 <li>
383 Must be made on
383 <a
href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmen
t_data/file/687733/c1-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
383 Form C1
383 </a>
383 , with
383 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-c20-supplement-for-an-application-fo
r-an-order-to-hold-a-child-in-secure-accommodation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
383 supplement C20
383 </a>
383 ;
383 </li>
384 <li>
384 Served on the appropriate respondents;
384 </li>
385 <li>
385 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:
386 <ul>
387 <li>
387 Every person who is believed to have Parental Responsibility for the child;
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 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;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 Any person with whom the child is living at the time the proceedings commenced;
389 </li>
390 <li>
390 The child;
390 </li>
391 <li>
391 Any person providing refuge, e.g. Voluntary Home or Children's Home certified under
391 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/51" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
391 Section 51(1)
391 </a>
391 and Section 52(2) Children Act 1989;
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 The local authority providing accommodation for the child, (if this is not the
responsible authority).
392 </li>
393 </ul>
394 </li>
395 </ul>
396 <p>
396 Once made, an application can only be withdrawn with the permission of the court.
396 </p>
397 <p>
397 <span class="bold">
397 7 days before the date of the hearing (unless the court has directed a shorter period),
respondents should be served with
397 </span>
397 :
397 </p>
398 <ul>
399 <li>
399 A copy of the application with the hearing date endorsed;
399 </li>
400 <li>
400 A notice of the proceedings with the date and place of the hearing;
400 </li>
401 <li>
401 The evidence which is relied upon in support of the application for a secure order; viz:
402 <ul>
403 <li>
403 The written statement relied on in support of the application;
403 </li>
404 <li>
404 Other relevant reports from specialists or experts or other documents;
404 </li>
405 <li>
405 A detailed copy of the Care Plan.
405 </li>
406 </ul>
407 </li>
408 </ul>
409 <p>
409 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.
409 </p>
410 <h3>
410 8.2 Interim Orders
410 </h3>
411 <p>
411 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.
411 </p>
412 <p>
412 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.
412 </p>
413 The child/local authority may appeal to the High Court against the making, or refusal to make,
an order.
413 </div>
414 <div class="section1">
414 </div>
420 <div class="section">
420 <h2 id="supp_mon_end">
420 9. Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements
420 </h2>
421 <h3>
421 9.1
421 <a id="supp_monit">
421 </a>
421 Support and Monitoring of Placements
421 </h3>
422 <p>
422 The child's social worker must visit the child in the placement within 1 week of the
placement and then every 6 weeks; see procedures in
422 <a href="p_sw_visits.html">
422 Social Worker Visits to Children in Care Procedure
422 </a>
422 .
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 Once the Secure Accommodation Criteria Review establishes that the child no longer meets the
criteria for Section 25 Secure Accommodation, the exit plan/Care Plan should be expedited,
(see
423 <a href="#period">
423 Section 3, Period of Secure Accommodation
423 </a>
423 ).
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 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 developed at subsequent Looked After Reviews.
424 </p>
425 <p>
425 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.
425 </p>
426 <p>
426 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
426 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
426 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline Procedure
426 </a>
426 .)
426 </p>
427 <p>
427 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.
427 </p>
428 <h4>
428 9.1.1 Mobility
428 </h4>
429 <p>
429 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.
429 </p>
430 <p>
430 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.
430 </p>
431 <p>
431 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.
431 </p>
432 <p>
432 <span class="to_follow">
432 Local information to follow
432 </span>
432 - under review
432 </p>
433 <h3>
433 9.2
433 <a id="ending_place">
433 </a>
433 Ending of Placements
433 </h3>
434 <p>
434 '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.
434 </p>
435 <p>
435 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.
435 </p>
436 <p>
436 Irrespective of the child's legal status, the parents/those with Parental Responsibility,
should be involved and consulted about the exit placement.
436 </p>
437 <p>
437 Clearly, if the child is Section 20 Accommodated, then agreement with the parent is
required.
437 </p>
438 <p>
438 Transferring to the Exit placement should be undertaken as for any Child in Care.
438 </p>
439 <p>
439 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.
439 </p>
440 <p>
440 A visit by the child to the next placement should be undertaken where possible.
440 </p>
441 <p>
441 See also:
441 <a href="p_sec_accom_crit_rev.html">
441 Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews Procedure
441 </a>
441 .
441 </p>
442 <p>
442 When the child has transferred from the Secure Accommodation Unit, the child's social worker
should notify the relevant finance officer within 1 working day of the placement ending (so
that the arrangements to pay the provider will be terminated) and update the child's
electronic record.
442 </p>
443 <p>
443 The social worker should also inform all those notified of the placement (including the IRO)
that the placement has ended.
443 </p>
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