The use of force

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• All staff are trained in and promote de-escalation techniques. The establishment recognises and disseminates good practice in avoiding the use of restraint.
• There is a restraint-minimisation strategy in place that involves all departments and there are clear links with other relevant strategies which protect children.
• Staff have up-to-date training in de-escalation and in using the appropriate, approved techniques.
• A restraint handling plan is in place for all children with a medical condition who may be adversely affected by restraint. All staff are aware of the information in the plan and use it during restraint.
• Children with challenging behaviours, including as a result of past abuse, neglect and trauma, physical disability, learning disability or personality disorder, have care plans which highlight risk factors and set out alternative management protocols which reduce the likelihood of restraint techniques becoming necessary.
• Pain infliction is not applied as a form of restraint.
• Handcuffs are only used when there is evidence to support their use as the safer option, and with the proper authority.
• Parents/carers and, for looked after children, the local authority, are notified of incidents of restraint.
• Children can learn how to manage and take control of their behaviour, and are given the opportunity to talk about their experience with someone impartial as soon as possible after an incident. Children receive an explanation of why force was used on them. This is recorded and used to inform any other existing plans relating to the care of the child.
• Children are offered the opportunity to speak to an advocate or make a complaint about the incident without fear of repercussions.
• Child protection referrals and investigations are undertaken where necessary.
• Use of personal protection equipment is proportionate to the risks posed and is reviewed regularly by a senior manager and the local authority. The effects on children of being restrained by staff wearing personal protection equipment are understood.
• Batons are not used on children.

Cross reference with: safeguarding of children; daily life – consultation, application and redress.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Restraint techniques are only used as a last resort and for the shortest time possible, when there is immediate risk to the safety of the child or others, and when all other alternatives have been explored and have failed.
• The level of restraint used is the minimum necessary.
• Any incidents of restraint are properly authorised and correctly and comprehensively recorded.
• Force is never used or threatened as a punishment.
• An appropriately qualified health service professional attends all restraint incidents.
• Children subject to unplanned restraint procedures or those outside normal working hours are seen by a qualified health service professional as soon as possible after force is removed.
• Use of force documentation is completed within 24 hours. It is routinely scrutinised by a senior manager to ensure force is used as a last resort and is lawful.
• All use of force incidents are filmed with sound (including body-worn video cameras). Recordings and documentation are promptly reviewed and retained.
• Use of force data is analysed, particularly with regard to injuries sustained during restraint, complaints about excessive or inappropriate use of force and feedback from children through the debriefing process.

Cross reference with: safeguarding of children; relationships between staff and children; security; suicide and self-harm prevention; health services; separation/removal from normal location.