Commentary on Sections Key definitions Section 87 – Meaning of “medical examination order”
127.This section defines “medical examination order”. As with a compulsory supervision order, the medical examination order may contain certain measures, which are listed at subsection (2), including a secure accommodation authorisation. A child may, for example, be required to reside in an assessment centre, attend an educational psychologist or be subject to a medical examination. The order may specify a requirement that the child attend or reside at a specified clinic, hospital or other establishment. Where such a measure is included, the order may also place a prohibition on the disclosure of that specified place. It may also contain a requirement that the local authority arrange a specified medical examination of the child. As with a compulsory supervision order, it may contain a direction regulating contact. It may also include any other specified condition which appears to the Children’s Hearing to be appropriate to ensure the child’s compliance with the order.
128.Subsections (3) and (4) set out the conditions that must exist before a secure accommodation authorisation may be included in a medical examination order. These provisions mirror those for compulsory supervision orders. Subsection (5) defines “medical” for the purposes of this section to include psychological. Subsection (5) sets out the period for which a medical examination order will have effect. It defines “relevant period” as the period beginning with the making of the order and ending with the first occurrence of the following: the beginning of the next Children’s Hearing arranged to consider compulsory supervision of the child after the order is made; a day specified in the order; or the end of the period of 22 days beginning with the day on which the order is made.