In the matter of Z

On 25 th August, 2010, the Court handed down its decision on an application by the Minister for Health and Social Services for a secure accommodation order in relation to Z and indicated that it would give its reasons more fully in a written judgment. This we now proceed to do.

That was the position when the Court sat on 25 th August when the secure accommodation order was due to expire the following day. The Children's Service had anticipated that by that stage, bed-sitting accommodation would have been completed following the renovation of Les Chênes. The Court was informed, however, that the renovation had been delayed and had not even been started. The Youth Action Team had located an alternative flat which was not to be vacated until 28 th August.

Counsel for the Minister accordingly applied to extend the secure accommodation order for another month. The plan was for Z to assist in the redecoration and equipping of the flat during the first week of the extended order and thereafter to be introduced gradually to independent living.

Mr Renouf, for Z, told us that Z did not want to remain at Greenfields. Z had been remanded there in a criminal justice context as a result of the offending, and did not understand why Z should now be compelled to live at Greenfields having not done anything wrong. When the secure accommodation order was first made, the Court explained to Z that being sent to Greenfields was for Z's own protection and wellbeing, but we do understand the confusion that Z expresses.