Agenda and minutes

To note that the Independent Member will serve as Chairman of the Panel.

RESOLVED:  To note that the Independent Member, Caroline Ellis, would serve as Chairman of the Panel.

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.

[Note:  Social Services Appeals Panel minutes are:-

(1)               approved following each meeting by the Members serving on that particular occasion and signed as a correct record by the Chairman for that meeting;

(2)               not submitted to the next panel meeting for approval.

Reasons: The Social Services Appeals Panel is constituted from a pooled membership.  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 (1) above 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 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 in accordance with Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item for the reasons set out below:

The Panel considered reports of the Corporate Director of Children and Families, the Independent Investigator and the Secure Unit.

The Panel carefully reviewed the case, taking into account the written and verbal updates from officers of Children’s Services, the Independent Investigator, the Secure Unit, permanent and visiting staff at the Secure Unit, and the views and wishes of the child and the child’s parent, who were both present at the meeting.

The Panel were unanimous in their decision that the child no longer met the criteria for Secure Accommodation and noted that arrangements were being for the child to return to his home.

RESOLVED:  That that the child no longer met the criteria to remain in Secure Accommodation.