Youth Justice Board issues guidance on minimising restraint

The move comes after the government accepted the majority of 58 recommendations made in an independent review on restraint in December 2008.

One of the key themes of the review was that the use of restraint should be reduced.

The YJB was subsequently asked to draw up guidance on the development and implementation of restraint minimisation strategies in secure establishments.

The guidelines include sections on the YJB’s responsibilities, the responsibilities of secure estate establishments, key elements of restraint minimisation strategies and the next steps that should be taken.

Minimisation strategies include routine risk assessments, listening to the feedback of young people in the secure estate, and improving communication with young people.

The use of restorative justice-style approaches to behaviour management is also suggested.

Establishments have been asked to have restraint management strategies in place by March 15 2010.

Figures reported by CYP Now in September show that since the government accepted the majority of recommendations of the review last December, the use of restraint in some establishments has risen.

Statistics obtained from the Ministry of Justice show that while use of restraint in secure children's homes and secure training centres has dropped, the practice is on the rise in young offender institutions (YOIs).

In the year ending March 2009, restraint was used 4,274 times in YOIs compared with 3,409 times the previous year – a rise of 25 per cent.

YJB chief executive John Drew said: "Our aim is to support establishments to minimise the use of restraint.  We are encouraging the use of alternative preventative approaches.

"Crucially, this involves listening to young people and ensuring approaches are tailored to the needs of young people. We recognise that many establishments already have similar strategies in place.The guidance will help to improve current approaches. We are determined to ensure that when restraint is used it will be both as appropriate and as safe as possible."