Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the assessment criteria is for transferring mothers and children to the Mears operated mother and baby unit at 100 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow.

The mother and baby unit is a new dedicated facility in Glasgow to support mothers and babies, providing accommodation, along with access to healthcare and other support services, that is purpose designed to best meet their needs.

The facility can accommodate 38 young mothers, though currently it is operating at half capacity. The building is used to accommodate new service users where appropriate, or where there are referrals from social workers, the health team or the third sector.

The current residents were moved on the basis that they would have improved privacy and wrap around support as mothers and children. Consideration for transfer included a safeguarding assessment and appraisal of the suitability of their previous accommodation.

There is a dedicated Resident Welfare Manager on site, and they are in close contact with each resident. If the Welfare Manager considers a move out of the dedicated centre is appropriate a move to alternative accommodation can be arranged.