The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is conducting research into the problem, but Mary Graham, chair of the Secure Accommodation Network, said agencies that place young people in welfare lack awareness of the availability of beds in secure units.
Many secure units, including the Atkinson Unit in Devon, which Graham runs, have some beds for young people with welfare needs, and some contracted by the Youth Justice Board for juvenile offenders, generally used by the most vulnerable offenders. Graham's concern is that if welfare beds are not used, units may be forced to close.
The DfES said it is waiting for conclusions from its research.
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