The current operational capacity of St. Michael's remand and assessment unit is 15 places. Children are normally referred to St. Michael's by the courts for short-term remand and remand for assessment. However, the unit's capacity to carry out assessment is reduced from time to time because the courts place children in the unit while why are awaiting long-term placement elsewhere. Currently, there are eight such cases being accommodated in the unit.
There are currently 13 young persons awaiting assessment at the unit. The young person to whom the Deputy refers was scheduled on 15 October 2000 for admission for assessment on 15 January next.
I am concerned at the shortage of places for assessment to which the Deputy refers. My Department is actively pursuing the development of a non-residential assessment service in the probation and welfare service and the health authorities. It is expected that the service will provide an additional option for the courts with effect from early 2001.
My Department is also currently pursuing a five year development plan in the young offender area. The development plan includes the replacement of St. Michael's remand and assessment centre by a new facility to be known as the National Remand and Assessment Centre. The capacity of the new centre will be 20 places. The overall cost of this development is estimated to be £13 million. It is expected that the project will be going to tender early in the new year.
