Section Four National Preventive Mechanism member profiles this may result in reduced contact with their families, adding to the children’s sense of isolation and vulnerability. Welsh children detained in other parts of the UK may also experience language difficulties as many have Welsh as their first language, rather than English. Placement far from home can also adversely affect the effectiveness of care planning and resettlement. CSSIW has noted that many children require access to mental health or substance misuse services while in secure accommodation and on their return to the community. It highlights the need to ensure continuity in the planning and delivery of these services. CSSIW has recommended that children leaving Hillside receive more effective support for their return to the community. Such support may involve a range of services, including housing. Children accommodated in any part of the secure estate are particularly vulnerable and robust safeguarding systems are required to promote their welfare. In relation to its monitoring of the deprivation of liberty safeguards, CSSIW has noted considerable variation in their use across Wales. Intelligence gathered by CSSIW suggests a need to raise awareness of the legislation underpinning the safeguards. Nonetheless, CSSIW has also found examples of good practice where those delivering care home services have demonstrated good understanding of the safeguards and how to use them. Best interests assessors consider the interests of the service user and make recommendations about any proposed deprivation of liberty. Although in England such assessors require accreditation, there is no such requirement in Wales. CSSIW intends to monitor this issue as it may pose problems for assessors from Wales who wish to evaluate the needs of Welsh service users placed in care homes in England. This, and other issues, will be raised by CSSIW in its first annual report on the implementation of the deprivation of liberty safeguards to be published in 2010. Looking forward As with most other members of the UK’s NPM, CSSIW must fulfil its regulation and inspection mandate while facing increasing financial pressures. This is particularly challenging as social care is currently undergoing significant changes to which CSSIW must adapt. There is greater emphasis than ever before on the independence and autonomy of service users which is, of course, welcome. Nonetheless, these developments potentially provide more scope for the ill-treatment of vulnerable people. The challenge for CSSIW and others will be to promote this independence for service users while also safeguarding their safety and welfare. 39