FOI Request - Child Restraint Definitions

Request 101003233731

I wish to request
1. any and all official definitions of what constitutes child restraint,
2. the specific circumstances under which it is deemed necessary, in addition to
3. information held on whether and how it has been deemed not necessary for the council to collect this information in instances where this information is unavailable.

Response 28-02-2023

1. We use the definitions as provided in the best practice guidance 'Rights, Risks and Limits to Freedom', along with other guidance documents (specifically noted in the attached policy).  This coincides with the BILD (British Institute of Learning Difficulties) and Mental Welfare Guidance too.  Our staff tam are trained in Positive Behaviour Support Strategies, which is BILD accredited. For us, restraint is the restriction of a person's ability to move as they so wish - in any sense. 

2. Restraint is used as last resort to prevent significant harm to self or others, and is always documented - both using the local authority's violence and aggression policy documents, and is notified to the Care Inspectorate.  Both recording aspects require explanation as to why restraint was deemed necessary, and what other measures were used to de-escalate before considering restraint.

The Council uses the national BSS (Behavioural Support Strategies) approach which sets out clear guidelines regarding the use of physical restraint when dealing with children.

BSS is a voluntary organisation created as an independent entity offering training and support to develop and implement the BSS programme of dealing with Behaviours of Concern in Scotland.

BSS acknowledges that there are occasions when a Physical Intervention or  Breakaway Technique may need to be employed in order to prevent injury to self or others, but these are used as a last resort, and only once full training has been given, and with the approach fully documented in an individual risk assessment.

3. Not applicable.