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Which children are we talking about?
Which children are we talking about?
The NSPCC’s campaign to change the use of restraint methods focuses on children in secure training centres (or STCs), where children aged 12-15 are held; and children in young offenders’ institutions (YOIs) where 15 to 21-year-olds are held, in England and Wales.
These are used to prevent children from escaping custody; injuring themselves or others; damaging property; inciting another child to do any of these things, or to maintain good order and discipline. They are:
• Using the thumb – where fingers are used to bend the upper joint of the thumb forwards and down towards the palm of the hand.
• Using the ribs – involves the inward and upward motion of the knuckles into the back of the child exerting pressure on the lower rib.
• Using the nose – staff use the outside of their hand in an upward motion on the nasal septum. (The Government suspended the use of this restraint method on 18 December 2007 pending further medical advice on its safety)
Pain restraint techniques should no longer be used in child custodial settings, as they are cruel.
If these methods were used anywhere else in society on a child, the adult involved could be guilty of assault and could face criminal charges. Children in custody are some of the most disadvantaged in society. Many have suffered abuse or witnessed domestic violence. They deserve care, not cruelty.
What is physical restraint?
Physical restraint refers to a number of techniques ranging from a simple hold, to several adults pinning a child down on the floor. The NSPCC believes that physical restraint is used too often in youth custody settings.
It can often be dangerous and lead to serious injury and even death. The Government recently broadened the permitted use of physical restraint in secure training centres, allowing for it to be used to help maintain "good order and discipline", for instance, when a child refuses to go to bed on time.
Guidelines should be changed so that physical restraint can no longer be used to enforce "good order and discipline".
Currently, physical restraint is used too regularly and can cause significant harm. It should only be used as a last resort by people specifically trained to use it, and only in order to:
• protect the child and/or others from serious injury
• prevent criminal damage to property
• prevent the child from escaping from custody
Following the 2004 death of a 15 year boy in custody, an independent inquiry was set up and led by Lord Carlile QC. In his report released in 2006 he backed the need to ban pain restraint, and restrict the use of physical restraint.
Many children in custody have experienced violence or abuse prior to entering detention. Being restrained can not only make these previous experiences more vivid, it can also encourage the child in question to react violently in response.
"It makes you feel like you’re nothing. People holding you down brings bad memories. It’s horrible. Makes you want to head butt them."1
Lord Carlile spoke specifically about how current practice can lead to more violence:
"Whilst firm boundaries and consistency of response by adults in authority are essential, it has to be balanced against a tolerance and appreciation that normal teenage behaviour is testing. Over-reaction … can be counter-productive and even dangerous." 2
What is needed: techniques that take the heat out of the situation
Difficult situations will always arise in youth custody settings, and staff need to be able to manage young people’s behaviour. De-escalation techniques –using discussion and negotiation - can be used to take the heat out of such situations. Extra training, where needed, should be provided for all staff.
It is not possible to create a new culture overnight. But if our society wants to protect some of its most vulnerable children, and to give them the greatest chance of leading fulfilled, law-abiding lives, the Government must start making these changes as soon as possible.
1 Children’s Views on Restraint, the Commission for Social Care Inspection
2 The Lord Carlile of Berriew QC: An independent inquiry into the use of physical restraint, solitary confinement and forcible strip searching of children in prisons, secure training centres and local authority secure children’s homes, p29
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