Case study: an independent investigation into a serious disturbance at a medium secure young people's unit
Disturbance at young people's unit
In 2007 Verita carried out a review at a medium-secure residential unit after a serious disturbance by the young people living there. Over the course of four hours, staff were attacked, windows were smashed and offices were ransacked. The police were called to regain control. Managers at the unit turned to Verita to understand what had gone wrong.
Verita began its work within days of the incident and completed its detailed investigation and report within three months. The causes of the incident were complex. They included a dangerous mix of young people, a lack of experienced staff, a lack of programmed activities, an unsuitable physical environment and a lack of planning for such emergencies. Eighteen recommendations were put forward by Verita, including eight for immediate implementation. Managers at the unit acknowledged Verita's support in enabling them to tackle long-standing issues and move forward.