Search
47.—(1) Each child shall be searched on his reception into a centre and subsequently as the director considers necessary in accordance with guidelines approved by the Secretary of State.
(2) A search shall be carried out in a manner consistent with discovering anything concealed while maintaining the dignity of the child and shall be conducted by two members of staff of the same gender as the child.
(3) The searching procedure and reason for the search shall be explained to the child prior to a search taking place.
(4) A child shall not be undressed or required to undress, other than to remove a hat, coat or overcoat, for the purpose of a search:
(a)without the authority of the director; or
(b)in the sight of another child or any persons other than the members of staff conducting the search.
(5) Where a child refuses to co-operate with a search, the minimum effort necessary to effect the search may be used subject to the provisions of rule 51.
(6) A record shall be kept of any search to which paragraph (4) or (5) applies.
(7) The child shall be informed of the content of the record kept under paragraph (6) and encouraged to contribute to it as far as practicable.