Question to the Ministry of Justice:

Her Majesty's Government whether the Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint techniques were adapted for use on younger and smaller children, prior to escort custody officers being trained and authorised to use them on children travelling to and from secure training centres and secure children's homes.

Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) has been specifically developed for use by staff working with children and young people in custody. It has been designed so that physical restraint is avoided as far as possible by recognising young people’s behaviour, and by using a range of de-escalation, diversion and behaviour management techniques to help them deal with it effectively and appropriately. MMPR was initially used in secure training centres, and is now being operationally used by the Youth Justice Board’s secure escort provider, who escort children to and from court, secure training centres, and secure children’s homes.