Secure care is the most intensive and restrictive form of alternative care in Scotland. Though the numbers of children and young people secured each year in Scotland are relatively small, the decision to restrict any young person’s liberty is significant and has an immediate impact for that young person, and for their family, friends and wider community.
This paper, written by Alison Gough, sets out the key messages which have emerged from the secure care national project, undertaken by CYCJ. This project was commissioned to undertake an independent, analytical and practice focused review of secure care provision and to work with sector leads to: ensure the effective delivery of service to children in secure care; review current trends, achievements and risks; and to make recommendations to partners about future configuration of the secure estate.