Intensive Support and Monitoring (ISMS) was introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, as an alternative to Secure Accommodation. As such, the criteria for authorising ISMS is the same as for authoring secure.
ISMS was initially introduced in 7 'phase one' local authorities in April 2005. Following analysis of the effectiveness of the scheme, it was announced in December 2007 that it would be rolled out nationally. As of 1 April 2008, ISMS has been available in all 32 local authority areas.
ISMS involves a 24 hours wrap-around support package (intensive support), which includes up to 30 hours per week of education, and a movement restriction condition (MRC). It is the responsibility of the local authority to provide the intensive support package. This is often done by contracting with a voluntary organisation. The MRC can be for any period, on any day which the hearing decides, provided that the restriction period does not exceed more than 12 hours in any one day.
Compliance with the MRC is monitored via an electronic monitoring device (tag) which is placed on the young persons ankle (or wrist) and a monitoring box which is placed at their residence. Where the MRC is not complied with, the electronic monitoring contractor contacts the intensive support provider. Where a young person is repeatedly in breach of their MRC they may be referred back to the Children's Hearing for an alternative disposal.