Secure Accommodation Orders
In situations where your child is beyond parental control or there are serious concerns for your child’s welfare, Social Services may consider applying to the Court for a Secure Accommodation Order and/or a Deprivation of Liberty Order. Secure Accommodation
Expert Family Law Solicitors
At GT Stewart, we know that matters concerning family and private life are the most sensitive to deal with, which is why our experienced family team will listen to your concerns, wishes and feelings, and work to get you the best outcome to suit your needs. Please get in touch so we can set out how we are able to help you.
We offer services to both private paying and legal aid clients in the following areas of law:
Public Law Children (involvement with Social Services)
Private Law Children Advice
Matrimonial & Relationship Advice
Domestic Abuse & Personal Protection
Experienced Family Law Lawyers
Our team of experienced Family Law Solicitors deal with all aspects of Family Law, representing parents, children, other family members and interveners who are based in the UK and worldwide, in proceedings across England & Wales in all levels of Court from Magistrates right the way up to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Secure Accommodation Orders
Secure Accommodation
A secure accommodation order is a legal order made by a court that requires a child or young person to be placed in a secure children's home or secure training centre. The order is typically made when a child or young person has been assessed as being at risk of harm, or has committed a serious offense and is considered to be a risk to the public. The order is intended to protect the child or young person and the public, while also providing the child or young person with the care and support they need to address the issues that led to the order being made. The order can be made for a specific period of time, and can be reviewed and extended or revoked by the court as necessary.
Where are secure accommodation units?
In the United Kingdom, secure accommodation units are typically located in secure children's homes or secure training centres. These facilities are specially designed and equipped to provide a safe and secure environment for children and young people who have been placed there under a secure accommodation order.
Secure children's homes are residential facilities that provide accommodation, care and support for children and young people who are assessed as being at risk of harm. They are staffed by trained professionals who work with the child or young person to address the issues that led to them being placed in secure accommodation.
Secure training centres, meanwhile, are facilities that provide accommodation, care and education for young people aged 12 to 17 who have been placed there under a secure accommodation order for committing a serious offence. They are staffed by trained professionals who work with the young person to address the issues that led to their offending behaviour, and provide education and training opportunities to help them reintegrate back into society.
Both Secure Children's homes and Secure training centres are located in different parts of the United Kingdom, and are run by different organisations such as local authorities or privately run companies.
Deprivation of Liberty Orders
A deprivation of liberty order in the context of proceedings involving children relates to a situation where a child has to be deprived of their liberties in order to keep them safe. These orders are only made where necessary, for set time periods and are reviewed regularly to ensure that the order is not in place for longer than it needs to be. A deprivation of liberty can be for example – locking doors or windows to a placement, removal of electronic devices, 2:1 or 3:1 supervision of a child.
Why choose GT Stewart?
With extensive experience in both public and private law matters, we are committed to protecting your interests and achieving outcomes that prioritise the welfare of children and the long-term wellbeing of families. We provide practical advice and dedicated client care to guide you through what can often be a complex and stressful process.
Speak to one of our Family Law Solicitors
Our Tenacity Results in Success
The President of the Family Division has recently published new guidance for short-notice public law applications together with the Newborn Baby Protocol for England and Wales. Taken together, these documents represent one of the most significant procedural developments in public law children work for a number of years.
By | Nov 03, 2026
Many parents assume that legal aid is no longer available for disputes about children. While legal aid is not available for every family law case, funding may still be available where certain circumstances apply.
By | Nov 03, 2026
Max Konarek, assisted by Alison Barar, represented a parent in a complex public law proceedings concerning a young child who had been living with extended family members for a prolonged period under a care order. Following extensive assessments and a contested final hearing, the court approved a plan for the child to return to the full-time care of both parents in another jurisdiction, representing a significant and positive outcome for our client and his family.
By | Nov 02, 2026
Client Testimonials
"I cannot thank Phoebe and Katherine enough for the support, professionalism and understanding they have shown me. They have both been incredibly approachable, helpful and reassuring throughout what has been a difficult and stressful time.I have truly appreciated the time, care and attention they have given me. They have always made me feel listened to, understood and supported. Their kindness, compassion and professionalism have made a real difference, and I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for me.I would wholeheartedly recommend Phoebe and Katherine to anyone looking for a solicitor or barrister who genuinely cares about the people they represent.Thank you both, Phoebe and Katherine, for all your hard work, dedication and support. It has meant more than you know!"
"GT Stewart are personable, supportive and straightforward and were reassuring throughout"
"Phoebe Cole’s has dealt with a couple of my cases at the same time and has been very helpful and even goes out her way to get things done even in her own time out of work hours which shows her dedication, super hard working! Thank you Phoebe."
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you both [Max Konarek and Alison Barar] sincerely for the care, attention and professionalism you have shown in relation to this case….For a long time, I felt unheard and dismissed despite repeatedly trying to raise concerns, provide evidence and advocate…Reading the statement you prepared was the first time in a very long time that I felt genuinely reassured and optimistic that the truth may finally be presented properly and fairly before the Court. It gave me confidence that the wider context and reality of [our lives are] finally being understood. I truly believe that truth ultimately prevails and I cannot adequately express how grateful I am to both of you for listening carefully and treating these matters with seriousness and humanity…I appreciate that [my case requires] careful presentation and I trust your professional judgment completely.”
“Just to add Sadie, I would like to thank you. The judge made multiple comments about how good, thorough and evidenced the paperwork you provided was! You are honestly brilliant and how you translate my brain is outstanding and so appreciated.”