Laura Sharman 07 June 2021

Vulnerable children ‘detained unlawfully’ in Scotland

Vulnerable children ‘detained unlawfully’ in Scotland image

Vulnerable children in Scotland may have been detained unlawfully in secure accommodation, a new investigation has revealed.

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner found some local authorities may have locked children up in secure accommodation without helping them understand why they have been detained or their right to appeal.

The commissioner said this was a breach of their human rights, especially as children in secure accommodation have a high level of need and vulnerability.

The investigation examined the cases of 118 children placed in secure accommodation across 27 local authority areas. It found a significant number of these children may have been unlawfully held for at least part of their detention.

Nick Hobbs, head of advice and investigations, said: ‘Decisions with such severe consequences are not taken lightly but we have found that in some cases they are being made without due process of law, which is in breach of children’s human rights.

’It is critical that these children understand what is happening to them, that they are a key part of decisions that can impact the rest of their lives, and that they are told about their right of appeal.’

The report urges local authorities to ensure they comply with existing laws and asses their policies and practices.

Mr Hobbs added: ‘Children in secure care are some of the most vulnerable in Scotland. Local authorities in Scotland must urgently review their practice to ensure that they are acting within the law.

’These legal duties are critical to ensuring that every part of the process designed to protect them has their rights, views and experiences at its heart.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner