Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the use of restraint on children.

No specific assessment has been made. However, the Government states that restrictive practices should only ever be used as a last resort, using the least restrictive option, when all attempts to de-escalate a situation have been employed.

The Department for Education has commenced a programme of work to minimise instances of the use of reasonable force and restraint in all schools, starting with extensive evidence gathering in early 2023, including a public call for evidence. The work programme will include updating the ‘Use of reasonable force in schools’ guidance to provide school staff with advice on how to minimise the use of restraint, and, in instances where it is absolutely necessary and lawful, to use reasonable force and/or restrictive practices as safely as possible. The Department for Education will ensure that the updated guidance considers the age and needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

For those patients detained under the Mental Health Act, the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 requires all mental health units to appoint a responsible person who ensures compliance with the Act, including staff training. Units are also required to develop a policy on use of force, including restraint and segregation. This explicitly needs to consider details of the types of force and specific techniques that the organisation or trust may use, which may be different in services for children and young people, and how children’s rights will be protected when they are separated from others within the unit or ward. This should cover, for example, the physical environment, personal possessions, stimulating activities, support and meaningful contact with staff, as well as notifying parents or others with parental responsibility.