Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Selwyn Morgans, Manager of Aycliffe Secure Services Centre on the work of Aycliffe Secure Centre Sub Group (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Councillor Grant referred to her experience as a visiting advocate and commended the young people and staff at the Centre saying how impressed she had been at the interaction between them.  Councillor Grant added that staff show a great degree of expertise and professionalism, often working in highly pressurised situations.  

The Chair asked about the national picture and the Secure Services Centre Manager responded that young people are referred to Aycliffe from all areas of the country.  Some beds are commissioned through a contract with the Youth Custody Service and other young people may be referred to the Centre from the Local Authority, due to concerns regarding their welfare.  Recently there has been a greater demand for welfare places than youth justice places.  The Centre Manager pointed out that the high number of requests for welfare beds cannot be met.  He added that other areas of the country including North Yorkshire, West Bromwich and Barking and Dagenham have bids in the pipeline. 

Councillor Jewell referred to the investigation into historic abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre and asked what measures are in place to minimise the risk of a similar situation occurring at the Secure Centre.  The Centre Manager acknowledged that, sadly, there are a small number of people who enter this field of work for the wrong reasons.  He assured the Panel that a rigorous selection process is in place to ensure that only those with the right motives are employed.  He added that robust monitoring takes place, with all physical restraints being reviewed within 24 hours and regular checks being carried out on CCTV footage.  He referred to the importance of building trust and being open with young people.  External agencies provide expertise in areas such as mental health and the Centre Manager also emphasised the importance of safeguarding staff to ensure procedures are followed in order that they do not place themselves in situations which could put them at risk of having false allegations raised against them.  The young people have access to telephones in their rooms and they are free to discuss their concerns with agencies such as Ofsted and the Children’s Commissioner.   A complaints procedure is in place and the young people have access to the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) to assist them.  In addition to this, independent persons undertake unannounced visits to all children’s homes at least once a month and produce a report under Regulation 44.

Resolved

That the report and presentation be noted.