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Children in Care
Atkinson Unit
The Atkinson Unit was opened in the late 1970s as a South West Regional Secure Unit providing secure accommodation for up to 12 boys and girls.
As part of a Government initiative to increase the provision of secure beds throughout the country, the Unit underwent a major rebuilding and refurbishment programme in 1995/96. This resulted in an increase to 16 beds with greatly improved facilities and resources.
Children and young people are admitted to the Unit for a variety of reasons but broadly speaking, they fall within the following categories:
- They are a danger to themselves or others.
- They are remanded by the Courts.
- They are serving a sentence for a serious offence.
The Atkinson Unit have their own website at www.atkinsonunit.org.uk.