Agenda and minutes

To note that the Independent Member, Caroline Ellis, will serve as Chairman of the Panel for this meeting.

RESOLVED:  That Caroline Ellis be appointed Chairman of the Panel for the purpose of this meeting.

To note the terms of reference as set out below:

“To review in accordance with the Children (Secure Accommodation) Regulations 1991 the Keeping of Children in Secure Accommodation.”

RESOLVED:  That the terms of reference of the Panel be noted.

(See Note at conclusion of these minutes).

To note the enclosed guidance notes which set out the nature of the Panel.

RESOLVED:  That the guidance notes setting out the nature of the Panel be noted.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence, or of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:

RESOLVED:  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item for the reasons set out below:

In accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the Panel considered a report of the Corporate Director Children’s Services as the Local Authority was required to hold a meeting of the Social Services Appeals Panel within 28 days of a child being placed in Secure Accommodation.  The report set out the background to the current situation and outlined the reasons why a secure placement was still considered necessary.  A report from the Independent Investigator setting out the views of the child, and a report from the Secure Unit were tabled at the meeting.

The Panel carefully reviewed the case, taking into account the verbal updates from the Social Services Officer, Independent Investigator, Secure Unit, and the wishes of the child who was present at the beginning of the meeting.  The Panel agreed that the criteria for the placement in secure accommodation continued to apply, that the placement continued to be necessary and that no other description of accommodation was appropriate.

RESOLVED:  That the child remain in the Secure Unit for a period of three months from 5 November 2009.