The majority of staff interviewed for a Scottish Executive study felt secure units were not fulfilling their core functions of protecting children and catering for them at times of crisis.
Another study found that twice the number of young people were remanded in secure units than had been thought.
Children's reporters, who assess cases of children referred to Scotland's children's hearings system, and the chairs of children's panels, which make decisions on how to address children's needs, said there were problems with the availability of secure accommodation at times of crisis.
Several thought there was a need for a short-term "holding mechanism" where young people in crisis could be accommodated while alternatives were sought.
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