Secure accommodation

Whilst the numbers of cared for young people who require secure accommodation in Cumberland remains low, there is a need we, and we are faced with similar challenges to those faced by other local authorities nationally. A move among health partners to reduce mental health inpatient beds and care has contributed to this. The move followed a recommendation as part of the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into children and young people’s mental health. It means that there are now more children who have complex needs or are a significant risk to themselves or others, but who cannot be detained under the Mental Health Act. These children either do not meet the criteria for a secure accommodation order, cannot live in a secure children’s home (SCH) because of severe shortage and lack of availability, or the secure children’s home would not meet their needs even if there was space available (as evidenced in Ofsted’s report on ‘How local authorities plan for sufficiency of accommodation that meets the needs of children in care and care leavers - Published 18 November 2022). 

Improving sufficiency

Whilst it is not our intention to develop a secure children’s home as part of our review of in house and externally provided children’s home it is part of our plan to review our offer for young people who are in need of a step up or step down home where there is a team of skilled and committed carers who are able to meet the needs of young people complex needs or are a significant risk to themselves or others.