• Secure Accommodation Order
• Family Assistance Order

Secure Accommodation Order

1.1 Secure Accommodation Order under Sec. 25 Children Act 1989 allows children who are being looked after by the Local Authority to be placed in secure accommodation for a maximum of 72 hours without a court order where:

• The child has a history of absconding and is likely to abscond from other accommodation and is likely to suffer significant harm if they abscond, or
• If kept in other accommodation is likely to injure themselves or others.

1.2 If the child is under 13 years of age a Secure Accommodation Order can only be given by the Secretary of State.

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Family Assistance Order

2.1 Family Assistance Orders under Sec. 16 Children Act 1989 allows a short term order of 6 months made with the agreement of all parties to give assistance to a family.

2.2 An Officer of the Local Authority or Probation Service can advise, assist and befriend any person named in the order. The local officer can be required to supervise such contact.

2.3 Grounds for making the Order are:

• The child's welfare is paramount
• The child will benefit from such an order
• Circumstances of the care are exceptional
• All parties consent to the order