Maximum Period Without Court Authorisation

Requirement where child detained without court authority

3.—(1) Before a local authority places a child in secure accommodation without court authority it must first create a written record setting out—

(a) the reasons why it believes the grounds under section 119(1) of the Act are met;

(b) the purpose of the placement; and

(c) the reasons why it considers that the placement is necessary.

(2) The local authority must provide a copy of that record to—

(a) the child and any person providing legal representation to the child;

(b) the child’s parents;

(c) any person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility for the child;

(d) the child’s independent visitor, if one has been appointed; and

(e) any other person who that local authority considers should be informed.