'Dangerous' children's secure unit taking new admissions with reduced capacity

A children’s secure unit, deemed a “serious risk” to those inside, is allowed to take new admissions months after a damning report which left the Scottish Government “deeply concerned”.

St Mary’s Kenmure, in Bishopbriggs, is the largest facility of its kind in Scotland, caring for 24 young people referred from the courts and children’s hearings, in four separate housing units.

Those living on the site receive care and education from staff who are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council and General Teaching Council, according to the facility’s website.

However, in October 2024 the Care Inspectorate said it had “significant concerns” with the quality of care provided to young people at the East Dunbartonshire facility, adding there is a “serious risk” to the life of young people on site if more people were admitted to the service.

St Mary’s Kenmure was issued with a prevention notice over any new admissions to the site.

At the time one dad, whose child was placed in the unit to receive support for their mental health, told STV News of the “untold damage” done while they were in the facility.

“I can’t understand why my child has been put in the unit with teenagers who have committed crimes,” he said.

“These people might now be in her life, that’s not the way it should be. Teenagers were free to roam the halls because of the lack of staff.

“The unit is not safe for the staff and it isn’t safe for the kids. I feel my child was put more at risk whilst at St Mary’s.”

Minister for children, young people and The Promise Natalie Don-Inness, revealed on Wednesday that the secure unit is now allowed to house a maximum 12 young people following a Care Inspectorate visit on December 18.

She said the initial report was “deeply concerning” and that some areas “require further work”.

The minister said: “St Mary’s Kenmure was served an improvement notice by the Care Inspectorate following its inspection in October which triggered a pause on new admissions.

“I was deeply concerned about this development and the government has been kept updated regularly on the progress of the Care Inspectorate’s review.

“It was right that admissions were paused whilst work was undertaken to make the required improvements.

“That pause has displaced demand to the other three centres and has reduced the availability of beds over the recent months.

“Following the Care Inspectorate’s visit on December 18, the Care Inspectorate were satisfied that progress had been made and agreed to lift the pause on new admissions.

“Some areas require further work but the Care Inspectorate has capped the max capacity at 12.”