l - [2025] EWHC 2230 (Fam)

The local authority’s case

In her first witness statement, the social worker giving evidence on the local authority’s behalf, said:

As part of the risk assessment process for Jake, an AIM3 (Assessment, Intervention, Moving On – Version 3) analysis was completed, as requested by the [criminal] Court. The AIM3 framework is designed to assess children and young people who have engaged in, or are suspected of engaging in, Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB).

Jake scored in the red category for sexual behaviours, developmental influences, and self-regulation, indicating a need for urgent intervention. He scored amber in the remaining domains. These results suggest that Jake requires comprehensive support across all five domains to address both the trauma he has experienced and the risk of continued harmful behaviour.

Using both the AIM3 and AssetPlus assessments, Jake has been assessed as posing a high risk of re-offending, serious harm to others, and risk to his own safety and wellbeing.

The assessment of serious harm is based on Jake’s high-risk behaviours in the community, his attitudes towards HSB, and his failure to accept responsibility for his actions.

There is a significant level of concern should Jake be released without intensive support. Jake has been in an artificial environment for over a year now and although he has engaged well and we have seen improvements in his behaviours there are still a high level of concern in regard to his risks.

The initial plan is for Jake to remain at [a named residential placement] for 12 weeks, then reviewed monthly, this is to enable him to complete therapy and complete work that is on his licence conditions.

Why the measures implemented are necessary, proportionate and no less measure will suffice

The current level of supervision provided to Jake is considered necessary to mitigate the risk of potential reoffending. This approach is viewed as a less restrictive alternative that still allows Jake the opportunity to develop greater independence.

Jake has been placed at [the detention centre] for over 12 months, and it is assessed that he continues to require one-to-one support, along with environmental safeguards such as door alarms, to effectively manage his risks.

In addition to the application for a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation, Jake will also be subject to licence conditions upon release, which will further support the management of his behaviour and promote public safety…