The Scottish National Party government has unveiled contentious proposals to establish special residential hubs for teenage offenders that would operate without locked doors, creating what officials describe as a more 'therapeutic' environment. These 'flex secure' buildings represent a significant departure from traditional youth detention models, aiming to provide a 'continuum of care' rather than confinement.
Shifting Away from Traditional Locked Facilities
Secure accommodation, a form of residential care that restricts freedom for under-18s deemed a significant risk to themselves or others, would undergo fundamental transformation under the SNP plans. The government intends to move away from the 'traditional static model of locked facilities' with a new emphasis on 'flexibility of restrictions' and 'reintegration into the community'.
This radical approach comes despite government admissions that the proposed changes carry 'potential risks' to public safety and represent a substantial shift in how Scotland handles its most challenging young offenders.
Political Opposition and Concerns
Scottish Conservative children and young people spokesman Roz McCall has voiced strong opposition to the proposals, stating that the 'consultation which the SNP have snuck out will set alarm bells ringing'. She has demanded transparency from the SNP government, questioning whether they are 'pursuing an experiment which would be ill-advised'.
McCall further criticised the potential nationalisation of secure care services, arguing that 'secure care services should be run locally by those who know best, rather than decisions in relation to public safety being taken away from those based in the community'.
The 'Flex Secure' Model Explained
The 'Reimagining Secure Care' report outlines a comprehensive new approach where 'flex secure' facilities would offer 'short-term, intensive support that can be scaled according to individual circumstances'. This model envisions tailored care that evolves with each child's needs, moving beyond the binary choice between secure detention and community placement.
According to the report, while traditional secure accommodation would still be used 'where deprivation of liberty is necessary and proportionate due to risk', the 'flex secure' approach aims to 'extend ongoing intensive support to children who may not meet current secure care criteria at a given point, but still require high-level care, intervention and support within a specialised and approved residential setting'.
Nationalisation Proposals and Financial Implications
The SNP government is also considering 'nationalising secure care', which could involve creating a single national service, taking over existing facilities and staff, and buying out current providers. This centralisation would 'shift a lot of responsibility to the national level and would require major public investment'.
A Scottish Parliament committee has previously warned that sending more young people to secure care would be costly, even as it recommended greater flexibility in sentencing approaches for young offenders.
Broader Context of Youth Justice Reforms
These proposals follow earlier revelations in 2022 that teenage criminals under 18 could be spared detention in favour of 'care-based alternatives' under SNP plans. This approach aligns with controversial sentencing guidelines that effectively treat offenders as young people until age 25, citing brain development considerations.
The consultation on these secure care proposals is scheduled to close in April, with no final decisions yet made about implementation.
Government Position and Next Steps
A Scottish Government spokesman emphasised that 'these proposals aim to ensure every child in secure care receives the right support, at the right time, to help them recover and build positive futures'. They clarified that 'the concept of "flex secure" is one idea being explored, and no decisions have been taken'.
The debate continues as Scotland considers fundamentally reimagining its approach to youth justice, balancing therapeutic ideals with public safety concerns in what could become one of the most significant reforms to the country's youth justice system in decades.
