Chamber and committees

The normal expectation is that a child will remain in the same establishment until their release. Transfer to another secure unit or to a young offenders institute will only be considered if a child's behaviour becomes completely unmanageable within the current placement or where, for example, the child is convicted of further serious charges which suggest that the child would present an unacceptable risk to the safety of other residents or staff. Conversely, where a child makes suitable progress he or she will be considered for a move from a secure establishment to an open setting within the child care system.

The majority of those children who are recorded as being held in adult prisons are children whose behaviour is so challenging that the courts have certified them as “unruly”.

These special arrangements are in place in order to protect those children whose behaviour is so challenging that it would be inappropriate to place them in local authority secure accommodation at that point in time.

Staff in secure units already have well developed skills for dealing with difficult behaviour in a secure setting. Further training and development which will enhance these skills is ongoing within each unit.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The SPS do not consider this to be a priority. Prisoners dining in-cell is common across the SPS estate.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

In addition, a cleaning routine and audit system are now being introduced into Argyle Hall.

Very occasionally, and only when the courts decide, would an under 16 be held in prison or young offenders institution for the shortest possible time until a suitable secure place is available.

To ensure we meet the needs of this very vulnerable group of young people, we are investing £18 million to support the redevelopment of the secure estate. An additional 29 places will be provided. The overall estate will be 125 places when the redevelopment is complete in 2007.

We have also developed a range of alternatives to secure care. The Intensive Support Fund, announced on 19 December 2003, was set up to improve the range of intensive support and supervision available in Scotland; to improve the quality of care in secure and to improve aftercare arrangements for young people leaving secure.

The first phase of Intensive Support and Monitoring Services is being implemented.  This intervention can offer a direct alternative to secure accommodation for some young people, in appropriate circumstances.

Detaining young people is not a decision that is taken lightly, but we must balance the welfare of that young person with that of the community they live in.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22277 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The information requested has been published on the SPS website at www.sps.gov.uk, and copies of which have been lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 38686 and 38687).

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22279 on  1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

Since the time of the report significant improvements have been made to both the facilities and regime within Dunedin Hall. A new segregation unit will replace Dunedin as part of the development currently being carried out a Polmont.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The problem identified has now been fixed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-22272 on 1 February 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

A new facility is being constructed and should be available by early 2007. It should also be noted that Polmont is fully meeting its education targets.