The Children’s Homes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Use of surveillance

21.  Subject to any requirements for electronic monitoring imposed by a court under any statutory provision, the registered person shall ensure that electronic or mechanical monitoring devices for the surveillance of children are not used in a children’s home, except for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child concerned, or other children accommodated in the children’s home, and where the following conditions are met –

(a) the child’s placing authority consents to the use of the measure in question;

(b) it is provided for in the child’s placement plan;

(c) so far as practicable in the light of his age and understanding, the child in question is informed in advance of the intention to use the measure; and

(d) the measure is no more restrictive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy.