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 be noted.

[Note:  Social Services Appeals Panel minutes are approved following each meeting by the Members serving on that particular occasion and signed as a correct record by the Chairman for that meeting.

Reasons: The Social Services Appeals Panel is constituted from a pooled membership with an Independent Person as Chairman. Consequently, a subsequent Panel meeting is likely to comprise a different Chairman and Members who took no part in the previous meeting’s proceedings.  The process referred to at provides appropriate approval scrutiny.

(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 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:

Consideration was given to a report of the Corporate Director of Children’s Services which set out the background to the current situation. The Panel also considered a report from the Independent Investigator which gave an overview of the child’s situation and a report from the Secure Unit.

The Panel carefully reviewed the case, taking into account the verbal updates from officers of Children’s Services, the Independent Investigator, Secure Unit, and the wishes of the child who was present at the meeting.

The Panel noted the planned transition arrangements for a potential placement to commence as from 9 August 2010. In response to a question, the officer undertook to ensure the completion of the report reviewing the Statement of Special Educational Needs.

RESOLVED:  That the criteria for a placement in secure accommodation no longer continued to apply and the placement was no longer necessary.