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WQ.351/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION
BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 12th JULY 2021
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 19th JULY 2021
Question
"Further to recent reports that the Royal Court had been informed that there is currently no alternative to the use of Greenfields, will the Minister advise whether any consideration has been given in cases involving vulnerable children to the use of Silkworth Lodge's Hope House therapeutic facility as an alternative facility to Greenfields and, if so, why this facility has not been used as such an alternative?"
Answer
Greenfields is a secure children's home used by the Children's Minister and the Royal Court for Secure Accommodation Orders that restrict the liberty of children and young people, when there is evidence that they would otherwise put themselves at risk or others at risk. Greenfields is also used for a remand in custody and/or as a sentencing option by the Youth Court or the Magistrates Court.
Secure Accommodation Orders usually last for up to 12 weeks. Youth Detention Orders can be for up to 12 months. The laws that allow the restriction of liberty for children and young people aged 10 to 18 expect this to be a last resort and in the best interests of the child. For Secure Accommodation Orders the decision to restrict the liberty of a child or young person is reviewed every 28 days.
The current programme offered at Hope House is a 28-day residential treatment programme focused on resilience and preventative wellbeing initiatives such as structure, exercise, coping skills. It is registered as a Children's Home but is not a Secure Children's Home, so does not have the facilities to manage high risk. Young people must consent to being at Hope House and therefore Hope House cannot be used as an alternative to Greenfields.
The Government is keen to work with Silkworth as it is likely, from time-to-time, that the Minister will consider placing a young person at Hope House as part of their care and support arrangements, when it best meets their needs.
Discussions to explore how Hope House can meet the needs of a wider group of children and young people in Jersey are ongoing.