Non-residential escorting

Interim escorting procedure

The current residence escorting procedure replaced the previous escorting policy as an interim measure, as it provides clear guidance on many basic considerations, such as ratios, equipment and planning for escort. An interim procedure was used because work to improve the management and efficiency of the escorting procedure is underway.

Now and until new systems are ready to be implemented, when a child/young person is remanded under section 238(1)(d) in a community placement, escorting arrangements should at least match the level of security at the placement. It may not be necessary to escort a child/young person in a caged van when they have been living in an unlocked community placement.

A section 238(1)(d) order requires that a child/young person is 'detained' in the custody of the chief executive and thus the child/young person is not free to roam. Such an order is only made when a court considers that the child/young person is likely to abscond or may commit further offences.

• Is there sufficient (and gender appropriate) supervision to manage the child/young person?.
• Do staff managing the escort have relevant and adequate training?
• Has the travel been planned (ie, route clear, no stops, packed lunch if required)?
• Is there a clear plan in case of emergency, what to do, who to contact etc?
• Is the child/young person placed in a safe position in the vehicle (not behind the driver, kiddie-lock on)?
• Is there increased risk where children/young people may need to be escorted together? And how can these be managed?

Ensuring good planning based on the above considerations will in most cases mitigate the risks inherent in escorting. YJ teams can work out the particulars of each escort, to and from community placements, and the way they will manage them based on the risks identified in each case.

In planning the escort care must be taken not to misrepresent the escorting risks due to staffing or other issues not related to the child/young person.