Council builds secure unit specially for arsonist, 11
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Your support makes all the difference.An 11-year-old arsonist with a history of disruptive and inappropriate sexual behaviour is set to be housed in an isolation centre designed for him at an annual cost of £130,000.
An 11-year-old arsonist with a history of disruptive and inappropriate sexual behaviour is set to be housed in an isolation centre designed for him at an annual cost of £130,000.
The boy, who is considered a risk to himself as well as others, is originally from Anglesey, north Wales, but is currently being housed in what is called a "welfare bed" at a £3,500-a-week secure unit in Leeds.
A report by Anglesey social services states that a "relatively isolated property is needed so that any risk to others is minimised".
In an effort to cut costs the placement in Leeds amounts to £182,000 a year Anglesey County Council has picked a remote property in Somerset as a suitable place for him to live in isolation.
A 6ft-high fence will have to be built at a cost of £4,000 before he arrives, as well as structural work on the property costing an additional £8,311, the council report on the boy's future says. A further £2,500 a week will be needed for "service costs" including a team of highly trained staff who will supervise him. The proposed home would be established specifically for the boy, who cannot be named, and would also include "educational and health input".
Referring to the secure unit he currently lives in, the report by Gwyn Jones, head of service in the social services department at Llangefni, says: "Secure placements are intended to be short term and it is highly unlikely that the court would wish to prolong this arrangement further than is absolutely necessary. In the opinion of colleagues in Leeds he is now ready to 'move on'.
"Following his last court appearance it became clear the court expects the authority to propose an alternative care plan at the beginning of November. Exhaustive enquiries have been made regarding possible alternative placements across Wales and England."
The boy, who is described as extremely disruptive and needing a high level of supervision by the social services, is said to have caused havoc in his home area. The report describes his behaviour as "extremely challenging and disruptive". The report reads: "He presents extremely challenging and disruptive behaviour and his birth family have been unable to care for him effectively."
Proposing a residential unit be established specifically for the boy, Mr Jones stresses it would include educational and health facilities and the approval of the Care Standards Authority.
"A relatively isolated property is needed so that any risk to others is minimised. A high level of supervision by trained staff would also need to be in place. By statute this cannot be designed as a secure placement but structural work can be carried out to improve safety."
The proposal has already been backed by the boy's solicitor and his court guardian.
In an interview with the Daily Post in North Wales, the council's managing director, Geraint Edwards, said the cost of accommodating troubled children was not unique to Anglesey. "Our social services department is considering local alternatives which would meet the boy's needs, enable him to receive service locally and reduce the potential weekly cost to the authority.
"Following his last court appearance, it became clear the court expects the local authority to propose an alternative care plan for the boy."
His future accommodation will be discussed at a committee meeting on Monday.
Yesterday, a council spokesman said it would be making no further comment.