Arrival and early days in detention

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Escort staff are polite and respectful to detainees and are aware of the particular needs of children and families. They ensure that parents have what they need to enable them to take care of their children during the journey.
• Families are given comfort breaks and refreshments during transfer sufficient to meet the needs of babies and children.
• Families are only subject to night-time moves in exceptional circumstances.
• Families should receive an adequate meal and drink at mealtimes.
• Families are not kept waiting on vehicles after arrival.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Vehicles are safe, secure, clean and comfortable, with adequate storage for families’ property and with emergency supplies and hygiene packs suitable for the needs of women and children.
• Appropriate vehicles are used to transport detainees with specific needs, such as pregnant women, women with babies, children, and detainees with a disability, in a dignified manner.
• Families are transported together. Unrelated male and female detainees and children are transported separately.
• The fears and anxieties of children are recognised by escort staff and they assist parents appropriately to comfort and reassure their children.
• Staff who escort children are subject to enhanced criminal background checks and are trained in and fully conversant with their statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• Information relating to individual needs and risks is passed between places of detention and is known to escort staff.
• Methods of restraint are only used on adults in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible time, and the impact on children of any such action is considered.
• The Home Office obtains and makes available relevant background information on children and families for escort staff prior to detention.
• Arrest teams allow families adequate time to prepare for their journey, to dress appropriately and to collect essential belongings, including medication and paperwork.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Parents are given reasonable notice of, and reasons for planned transfers in a language they understand. They have the opportunity to make a telephone call to their families and legal advisers.
• Parents are allowed time to talk to their children and explain what is going to happen in order to minimise their fears and anxieties as far as is possible.
• Detainees are given information in a format and language they understand.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Escort providers routinely contact the centre to which they are travelling before arrival to advise them of whom they are carrying.
• All detainees are held with correct documentation, including any assessment of their vulnerability, evidence of authority to detain (IS91) and the reasons for detention (IS91R).
• Families have their immediate needs assessed on arrival in an appropriate environment. Parents are allowed time with their children on arrival so that they are able to comfort and reassure them.
• Interpretation is used for those who are not fluent in English.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Centre staff have detailed advance knowledge of families and take steps to prepare a tailored welcome for them.
• Families are received promptly into a welcoming and supportive reception environment that is clean, supervised and suitable for children.
• There is a discrete area where parents can spend time with their children to comfort and reassure them.
• Families are greeted courteously in the centre. Staff establish the nationality of the detainees and languages spoken.
• There are staff available who are trained to work with children in distress.
• Translated information is provided and interpretation is used as necessary to ensure good communication with detainees.
• The gender ratio of staff is appropriate for receiving detainees and undertaking searching procedures. Searching is carried out sensitively and is kept to a minimum.
• Soon after arrival, detainees are able to make free telephone calls in private and are offered drinks and food.
• Detainees are able to retain all items of clothing unless an individual risk assessment indicates otherwise.
• Detainees are able to have a shower. If necessary, clean clothing is provided.
• Parents are given what they need for their children.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Families are able to obtain assistance with pressing support needs.
• Staff introduce themselves to new families and wear identification that clearly displays their name and status. Information about detainees’ needs is communicated between staff sensitively.
• Parents are asked about their children’s routines so that they can be maintained as far as possible while in detention.
• Families are encouraged and enabled to be self-sufficient. Parents are encouraged and enabled to parent their children.
• Families understand the centre’s routines and how to access available services that will help them cope with detention.
• Staff provide appropriate support to families during their first night in detention.
• Detainees are able to obtain or retain basic toiletries on arrival.