Unauthorised Absence from the Secure Unit

Definition

Whilst it is acknowledged that absences from the Secure Unit are rare this policy will outline the processes to be followed in the event of an absence that will support a positive return to the unit for the young person.

It is acknowledged that young people deal with their time in secure care in different ways.  Their reasons for unauthorised absences will be individual and must be treated with sensitivity, feelings of fear or anger can be powerful motivators to behaviour and assumptions will not be made about the young person or their motives for absence.

Procedure

If it is suspected that a young person has left the unit a quick search of the unit and grounds will be carried out before the policy is enacted in full.In the event of a young person leaving the Secure Unit without authority the following steps will be taken:

• The Police will be informed IMMEDIATELY giving a description of the young person and any known associates or places
• The Manager of the unit will be informed (who will inform the Service Manager).  If the absence is longer than 8 hours the Service Manager must give consideration to the use of publicity to support the search
• The Emergency Duty team must be informed
• The event must be logged in the daily log
• If relevant the family must be informed
• If relevant (dependent upon risk assessments) staff will make a search of the area surrounding the Secure Unit
• When the young person is found their safe return to the unit should be a priority and the young person must be re-admitted in the same way as the initial admission to ensure no dangerous substances or objects are brought into the unit.All parties informed of the absence must be informed of the return.Following return to the unit time will be spent with the young person to discuss any issues that led to the absence.  If allegations are made by the young person as part of the de-brief then the relevant complaints or young person protection procedures must be enacted immediately.All details of the absence and return must be recorded.

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