A secure place: care and control of complex and vulnerable children

Open Access

Abstract

Young people enter secure accommodation because of the risks they pose to themselves, and/or others. Their deprivation of liberty is authorised on the grounds of either welfare, justice or mental health legislation. Secure accommodation is 'both incarceration and an alternative to incarceration, a form of control imposed in order that care can be provided' (Harris & Timms 1993:4). Research has demonstrated that young people who enter secure accommodation, via these different legislative pathways, share common characteristics (inter alia O'Neill 2001; Goldson, 2002). Yet, these children are placed within distinct settings; secure care, secure custody or secure mental health facilities. This research seeks to understand i) who the young people are, ii) where young people are detained, iii) how decisions around place are made, and iv) the significance of place for young people. Surrey will act as the case in this research. To begin, secondary analysis of data will explore the characteristics and trajectories of young people from Surrey previously placed in secure settings. Next, a mapping of secure places available to young people from Surrey will identify current provision. Later phases of this research will explore decision-making practices, and the experiences of key stakeholders. This paper introduces this research and underscores the significance and timeliness of developing knowledge in this area. The value of this collaborative project lies in the connections between research and policy, with the common aim to develop more integrated responses to better meet the needs of vulnerable and complex young people.