Family Videos

Date when Video was Published: 23/08/2023

Secure accommodation orders and Family Proceedings Under Section 25 of the Children Act 1989, Secure Accommodation Orders allows the Local Authority to place a child under the age of 16 into a secure accommodation for a period longer than 72 hours, on the grounds of welfare. The Local Authority may apply for a secure accommodation order if it perceives that one of two things may be occurring: 1. There is a historical pattern of the child running away and is therefore at risk of doing so again and suffering significant harm as a result. 2. There is a likelihood that the child will injure either themselves or another person if they were to be kept in another form of placement. To ensure these orders are only used where necessary, for children under the age of 13, the Local Authority must gain the approval of the Secretary of State to exercise a Secure Placement Order and must ensure the below provisions are satisfied - 1. The child must be ‘looked after’ by their relevant local authority 2. The accommodation proposed by the local authority is “secure accommodation” 3. The local authority must be indicating to put the relevant child into a secure home for children, and that location must be approved by the Secretary of State. 4. If the child is under 13 years of age, the placement must be approved by the Secretary of State. When children are placed into secure accommodation, they cannot leave the accommodation unit without supervision and measures are taken to stop them from leaving. On most occasions, the Local Authority will issue Care proceedings and make an application for Care orders along their application for a secure accommodation Order. Duncan Lewis Solicitors have specialist solicitors who represent clients in this niche area of law. Please visit our website or call us directly on 033 3772 0409

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