The Youth Justice Board has approved a new control and restraint system for use in secure training centres. Three "distraction" techniques are available to staff who are allowed to deliver a short, sharp pain aimed at the nose, ribs or thumb under certain circumstances. Is this right? Under what circumstances should adults be able to punch a young person on the nose?
The guidelines say the techniques are to be used only as a last resort when a young person's behaviour is "so challenging it presents a risk to others". Staff are not meant to use them as punishment, or simply to get a young person to obey instructions. Is there a risk of this happening? What safeguards might there be to prevent widespread misuse of physical controls? Would young people trust them?
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