Scottish secure units for criminals aged under 18 at ‘breaking point'
'SHAMEFUL' CAPACITY CUT Scottish secure units for criminals aged under 18 at 'breaking point'
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SECURE units for criminals aged under 18 are at 'breaking point', it was claimed.
A whistleblower issued the alert after the closure of a hub used to lock up youths sent to it by Scots courts and children's panels.
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In all, capacity for convicted teens — including killers and sex offenders — has been slashed by almost a fifth, from 78 to 64.
The move has triggered warnings over the fate of troubled kids who could have nowhere to go, pushing the system into chaos.
A staffing crisis saw the Good Shepherd Centre in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, shut a six-bed 'house' temporarily.
And last December St Mary's Kenmure at Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, cut down on residents following a damning report by watchdogs.
The Scottish Government passed a law last October that bans sending under-18s to young offenders institutions.
A source said: 'Capacity is already stretched and this decision is a huge blow and erodes the limited number of beds across
"Serious questions need to be asked about the management of these units.
'Children who come through the criminal justice system and the children's hearing system are all at risk.'
Scottish Conservative shadow minister for children and young people Roz McCall MSP said: 'The temporary closure of this secure unit is a shameful dereliction of duty from SNP ministers who have failed to get a grip of the capacity crisis in Scotland's secure accommodation.
'At a time when youth violence is on the rise, there is no more room for complacency.
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"It's vital that the SNP urgently heed these concerns and work closely with organisations involved by ensuring all those children who need support will now be guaranteed to get it.'
Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said in September: 'This move will ensure children in conflict with the law are placed in safe suitable accommodation which will ensure their wellbeing and rehabilitation is at the heart of their care, while also keeping communities safe.'
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