Why secure accommodation? The legal context.

Posted On: 24 April 2009

Author: Janys M Scott QC

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Why Secure Accommodation?

  • "secure accommodation" means accommodation provided in a residential establishment, approved by the Scottish Ministers...for the purpose of restricting the liberty of children."
  • Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, Scottish Parliament Debate, 9 October 2008
  • 7 secure units in Scotland, 128 places, cost £4,500 per resident per week
  • "high-quality care and education for young people up to the age of 18 who have been deemed by the children's hearings to pose a serious risk to themselves and/or others or who are required to be detained by the court."
  • Children (Scotland) Act 1995, s.16:
  • Welfare throughout child is the paramount consideration.
  • Child should be given the opportunity to express a view and regard should be had to any view expressed.
  • No order unless better for the child.

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