Juvenile Justice Centre Rules (Northern Ireland) 2008

PART 2 MANAGEMENT

Role of a director

6.  A director discharges his duties and responsibilities under the Order by:—

(a) the implementation of these rules through the application of a range of policies and procedures which set out how the centre will be run; and

(b) the efficient running of the centre consistent with the safety and well-being of children, staff and other people visiting or working there.

Policies and procedures

7.  A director shall establish, implement and keep under review a set of policies and procedures which comply with current statutory provisions and is published and which shall include all of the following:—

(a) assessment and management of risk

(b) care and protection of children;

(c) education and activities;

(d) programmes for tackling offending;

(e) healthcare;

(f) security and safety;

(g) management and staffing;

(h) involvement with families; and

(i) partnership working with agencies.

Authority for detention

8.—(1) A child shall not be received into a centre without a valid order of committal, warrant or certificate authorising his detention in a centre.

(2) The details of such order, warrant or certificate and any subsequent direction of a court shall be immediately recorded.

Additional needs

9.  A director shall ensure that procedures are in place to enable a child with additional needs to be given such individual support, aids and equipment as he may require as a result of any disability, health need, learning or language difficulty.

Consultation and participation

10.  A director shall ensure that the children are encouraged and enabled to express their views on matters that concern them and the services they receive and that due weight is given to such views in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

Information to children

11.—(1) A centre shall provide timely and relevant information regarding the operation of the centre to children received into the centre.

(2) Each child shall be provided as soon as practicable after his reception into a centre with sufficient information to enable him to understand:—

(a) the requirements of the centre and the facilities and programmes available;

(b) the provisions of these rules as they are relevant to the child;

(c) the proper methods of seeking further information and making contact with his parent, relatives, a legal adviser or an independent representative; and all such matters which are necessary to enable the child to fully understand his rights and obligations while in the centre.

(3) Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring that the child is aware of and understands the procedure for making a complaint.

(4) Information provided under this rule shall be made available in writing and in accessible formats for a child to consult in his own time.

(5) The director shall explain the information provided in a way which takes account of the age and understanding of the child.

(6) Where a child is not fluent in English all reasonable steps shall be taken to provide the services of an interpreter, in particular during medical examinations and disciplinary proceedings.

Information to parents

12.  The director shall provide timely and relevant information to the parent of a child received into custody throughout the child’s stay and on the child’s transfer or release.

Inspections

13.—(1) The director shall facilitate an inspection of a centre by a person authorised by the Secretary of State under Article 55 of the Order.

(2) A person conducting an inspection under this rule or a person accompanying him may for the purpose of that inspection:—

(a) enter any part of the premises of the centre;

(b) conduct an interview with any person; and

(c) examine records relating to the centre subject to any issues of confidentiality which may require consent.

(3) A person who has been authorised to conduct an inspection under this rule shall report in writing to the Secretary of State and the report shall be published in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct.

Monitoring visits

14.  A centre shall be visited at least once a month by a person approved by the Secretary of State. The person carrying out the visit may:—

(a) conduct an interview with any person;

(b) inspect the premises;

(c) examine relevant records relating to the centre subject to any issues of confidentiality which may require consent; and

(d) submit a written report to the Secretary of State and the director.