News

Exeter secure children's home escapes closure

1 min read Social Care Youth Justice
A secure children's home in Exeter threatened with closure has won a stay of execution.

The Atkinson Secure Unit in the city was set to close following the Youth Justice Board's decision in March not to renew its contract.

But Devon County Council has now agreed to maintain the unit until March next year as a slimmed-down operation. Its future will be reviewed again next year.

The move still means job losses for the unit but the council has pledged to save 40 of its 85 jobs.

Until March, the unit will operate eight of its 11 beds for a mixture of court and welfare cases from within the county and other councils.

John Smith, Devon County Council's executive councillor for children's services, said the centre was being maintained as it had built up a reputation around the country for good quality care.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)