§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has decided to hold an inquiry into allegations of misconduct among staff at St. Charles Youth Treatment Centre, Brentwood, Essex.
§ Mr. MoyleThe allegations are being investigated, and I expect to receive a report by the end of the month. I hope then to be able to make a further statement.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the staff-resident ratio at the St. Charles Youth Treatment Centre, Brentwood, Essex.
§ Mr. MoyleThe overall ratio of professional staff to children is 1.9:1. The centre provides accommodation for 33 children whose care, control and treatment is undertaken by mixed teams of teachers, residential social workers and nurses. The total complement of team staff is 44 who provide two day shifts of eight hours each. The ratio of staff to children per day shift is 1:3 in the secure (admissions) unit and 1:4 in the two more open units. There are in addition 13 night staff. Each house unit has two staff on duty throughout the night, a ratio of approximately 1:6. The director, deputy director and other non-team professional staff have been taken into
256Wthose accountancy firms which have received consultancy contracts from his Department in the past three years, stating the subjects of such consultancy and the fees paid in each case.
§ Mr. MoyleAs follows:
account in the overall ratio. Administrative and ancillary staff are not included.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have been admitted to St. Charles Youth Treatment Centre, Brentwood, Essex, since its opening.
§ Mr. Moyle34 girls and 30 boys have been admitted to the St. Charles Youth Treatment Centre since is opened in July 1971. There are currently 31 young people in residence.