The Government and Youth Justice Board have accepted recommendationsmade by the physical control in care review panel, which was set up inMarch to improve restraint systems used in custodial settings.
It means a technique known as the "double-seated embrace" has beenbanned, as recommended by police who investigated the death of15-year-old Gareth Myatt at Rainsbrook secure training centre. However,a technique known as "nose distraction" can still be used.
Frances Crook, director of The Howard League for Penal Reform, describedthis as like a "karate chop". She added: "We've had allegations ofchildren being injured and frightened by this technique. We questionwhether it counts as an assault and would encourage children to call thepolice if an adult injures them." However both the Home Office and YouthJustice Board said the measure was only intended as a last resort indangerous or violent situations where a person is at serious risk ofinjury.
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