Article 26 Consideration of reports: secure accommodation proceedings.

(1)

This rule applies only in connection with proceedings brought under regulations made under sections 21A and 39 of the Act of 1980.

(2)

The court shall arrange for copies of any written report before the court to be made available, so far as practicable before the hearing, to:

(a)

the applicant;

(b)

the legal representative, if any, of the relevant infant;

(c)

the parent or guardian of the relevant infant;

(d)

the relevant infant, except where the court otherwise directs on the ground that it appears to it impracticable to disclose the report having regard to the age and understanding of the infant or undesirable to do so having regard to serious harm which might thereby be suffered by him;

and copies of such a report may, if the court considers it desirable to do so, be shown to any person who is required to be given notice of the proceedings in pursuance of rule 14(3)(d) of these Rules.

(3)

In any case in which the court has determined that the relevant criteria are satisfied, the court shall, for the purpose of determining the maximum period of authorisation to be specified in the order, take into consideration such information as it considers necessary for that purpose, including such information which is provided in pursuance of section 9 of the Act of 1969.

(4)

Any written report may be received and considered by the court without being read aloud.