Secure children's homes (SCHs) in England and Wales are specialised residential facilities that provide care and education for young people who are either remanded by the court or placed for their own protection due to their high levels of vulnerability.
[1] These homes cater to children aged 10 to 17 years old who present significant risks to themselves or others and require a secure environment to ensure their safety and well-being.
SCHs are designed to be small-scale environments to ensure personalised care and a higher staff-to-child ratio.
Key legislation and guidelines include: Secure Children's Homes face several challenges, including: Recent initiatives have focused on enhancing therapeutic support, improving educational outcomes, and developing community-based alternatives to secure accommodation.
[4] The SAN aims to provide a unified voice for SCHs, promote continuous improvement, and ensure that every child receives the highest quality of care and support.