l - [2025] EWHC 2230 (Fam)

Conclusions and Order Sought

Following consultation, there remain significant concerns regarding Jake’s risk upon release… Although he will have served 15 months on remand by the time of his release on licence, concerns persist regarding his previous offending behaviour, risk of absconding, and ongoing substance misuse.

While Jake has made notable progress during his time at [the detention centre], it is important to recognise that this progress has occurred within a highly structured and controlled environment. He has not yet engaged in therapeutic work to address his offending behaviour or the underlying trauma from his childhood. The setting at [the detention centre], with its strict routines and constant supervision, has contributed to his stability; however, this does not necessarily reflect how he may respond in a less restrictive environment.

Given these factors, it is considered essential that Jake continues to receive one-to-one support post-release, alongside environmental safeguards, to manage the identified risks effectively.

As previously outlined, while the positive changes Jake has made are acknowledged, they have occurred in an environment that is atypical for a young person—characterised by continuous supervision and intensive support. It is therefore recommended that a similar level of intensive support be maintained post-release to allow for a more accurate assessment of Jake’s needs and behaviours in a less restrictive, yet still safeguarded, setting.

In light of the above, the Local Authority respectfully invites the Court to grant a Deprivation of Liberty Order (DoLS) in respect of Jake, to support his current and ongoing care needs. The Local Authority is requesting an initial period of three months, subject to regular review, to ensure that Jake’s needs are being met and that the associated risks are being appropriately managed.

Once Jake has engaged in and completed the necessary therapeutic interventions, consideration may be given to the possibility of reunification with his grandmother, subject to further assessment and professional agreement.”

In her second witness statement dated 7^th August 2025, [she] says:

“Jake moved into [the Wrexham property] on 30th July 2025, care staff are beginning to build a relationship with Jake and helping him to continue with developing his independence skills, which Jake started to develop while he was in [the detention centre]. Due to the significant concerns in Jake’s previous behaviours and with only recently being released, the care team continue to feel that there should no changes to the way Jake is supported, or the arrangements within the home.

Jake has his own Annex, where he has access to his own bathroom, kitchen, living area and bedroom, there are no locks on the door, however door alarms are in place, the alarm is always activated at night and currently when Jake is left alone in his annex this is to alert staff if Jake has left his room. There are no locks on the windows, but the windows are not locked there [are] however, restrictors on them limiting how wide windows can be opened.

Jake continues to be supervised 1:1 by his care team. The care team… have not raised any initial concerns around Jake, he is beginning to build relationships with staff members. Jake however does show some concerns in regard to his release. Jake was wanting to be able to have more free time without staff and wants access to a mobile phone to ‘talk to friends’. There are still concerns around Jake’s previous friendships prior to being remanded. Jake’s level of independence within the community continues to be limited. Jake is not currently having any time alone within in the community but during the time Jake is at [the residential placement] this will be increased slowly with support from staff. There are no changes to Jake’s accessibility of the areas within the home and surrounding areas of the home. Jake’s allocated social worker continues to undertake statutory visits at the required intervals. During these visits, Jake has expressed a desire to spend increased time… with his family and has requested access to a mobile phone. At this stage, it is considered that these requests cannot be accommodated due to Jake’s current status. It is felt that further trust and stability need to be established between Jake and the professionals involved in his care before such changes can be safely and appropriately considered.

Jake is currently settling well into his placement… and is demonstrating engagement with the support process. While he is participating positively, he continues to express frustration regarding the restrictions imposed by both his Licence conditions and the [DOLs] order. Jake has acknowledged the rationale behind these measures but has voiced concerns that the process of reviewing and amending these boundaries may be prolonged, stating that it feels as though it will take ‘forever’ for any changes to occur. Jake has also disclosed a pattern of behaviour from previous experiences, whereby he has chosen to go missing when he perceives that progress is not being made quickly enough. This insight is important in understanding the potential risks and emotional responses that may arise if Jake feels unsupported or unheard during this period of intervention but does also increase the risks of Jake previous risky behaviours…

Jake is scheduled to commence therapeutic interventions in September, with [a therapist] delivering EDMR [Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing] therapy. This intervention was initially planned to take place at [the detention centre]. In preparation, Jake will engage in weekly sessions prior to September to begin establishing therapeutic relationships with professionals involved in his care…

Jake’s allocated Youth Offending Service Officer, will also be undertaking sessions with Jake. However, it has been agreed that therapeutic input should be prioritised as the initial approach to support Jake, before addressing his offending behaviours. It is noted that Jake continues to deny any involvement in the offence…

At this time, it is considered necessary for a [DOLs] order to be in place for an initial period of three months. This will provide Jake with the opportunity to continue settling into his placement, while allowing… staff [at the placement] and involved professionals to further assess and understand the risks associated with his care. The DOLs order will also support the commencement of therapeutic interventions in a structured and positive manner and enable Jake to adjust to the new routine at [the Wrexham property]. This period is viewed as essential in laying the foundations for meaningful engagement and progress within the therapeutic framework.”