HC Deb 23 February 1984 vol 54 cc622-3W
17. Rev. Martin Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration is being given to providing alternative accommodation for teenage girls who are in need of care and attention rather than imprisonment.

Mr. Chris Patten

Imprisonment is not an option available to the juvenile court in a case where a young person is deemed to be in need of care. Children and young people, who are judged by the juvenile court to be in need of care, protection or control, may at present be placed in the care of a health and social services board, or any other person, under a fit person order or may be made the subject of a training school order.