Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://pecs-contract-guide.service.justice.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

Care and welfare of children

Dedicated escort staff (Back to top)

PECS suppliers provide separate services for the transport of children and young people. The services are delivered by staff with supplementary training for working with children and are subject to more enhanced background checks.

Enhanced Custody Officers (ECOs) and Dual Badges Officers (DBOs) deliver this service.

Only staff who are certificated by the authority as ECOs, including dual badged staff will transport children/young people to/from Secure Training Centres (STCs), Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

ECOs wear a less formal uniform designed to create a balance between identifying the ECO as a custody officer, while finding a way to make it unintimidating to children/young people.

ECOs will accompany and remain with the child/young person throughout the duration of the transfer – from collection at the relevant premises, throughout their time in court (including in the dock), and then the return journey.

DBOs are Dual Badged Officers who are badged as both ECOs and PCOs. DBOs may usually act as PCOs managing adults in PECS custody, however they are available to support ECOs for certain transfer arrangements or may support children at court in the absence of an ECO team.

This may be required where a child is transported to court from police custody where ECO resources are unavailable, or where a child is remanded into custody at court off bail.

Children’s welfare (Back to top)

Whilst in the care of PECS suppliers, a number of arrangements will be introduced to ensure a child’s welfare is prioritised at all times.

Through the delivery of enhanced care, PECS children’s teams will support and interact with the child as appropriate.

They are equipped with distraction packs, including puzzles, and electronic tablets featuring games and films, which help occupy children and build positive relationships with staff.

Working with the Youth Custody Service, PECS and our suppliers may implement additional support arrangements when escorting children with neuro-divergent conditions, such as interactive robotic seals, which have a calming influence. 

Children will be provided with suitable food and refreshments, both onboard vehicles and whilst at court.

Enhanced care of children at court (Back to top)

PECS suppliers will ensure that children are appropriately cared for at court, where possible by trained ECOs and DBOs, who will ensure the child is supported and understands the process.

Ideally, children will be located in non-cellular accommodation separate to adults such as legal visit rooms, however, should they be located in a cell the door would remain open where possible (dependant on risk assessment).

The use of non-cellular accommodation will be dependent on risk assessment, and/or whether this is operationally possible. For example, although the use of a legal visit room is preferred, this should not impact the ability to support official legal visits.

PECS expects children to always be accompanied by staff to ensure they are supported and engaged whilst at court.  PECS children’s teams supply distraction packs, and it is good practice for the staff to interact with the child.

Please see Schedule 2b, chapter 2 of the PECS Contract North or PECS Contract South for further details.