Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 70
70
Not Addressed
Strictly limit handcuff use for child transport and ensure provider accountability with Ofsted.
Conclusion
The Department for Education must act to strictly limit the use of handcuffs to those cases where it is otherwise unavoidable or necessary for the child’s own safety, and work with Ofsted to ensure that local authorities and transport providers are held accountable on this. (Recommendation, Paragraph 176)
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates that children's homes regulations permit restraint only when necessary to prevent injury, damage, or absconding, and it must be proportionate. While stating these principles should apply across children's social care, the response does not commit to new actions to strictly limit handcuff use or work with Ofsted to hold local authorities and transport providers accountable for this specific practice.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people is of the utmost importance. The children’s homes regulations are clear that restraint can only be used: to prevent injury to any person (including the child who is being restrained); to prevent serious damage to the property of any person (including the child who is being restrained); or to prevent a child who is accommodated in a secure children’s home from absconding from the home. Restraint against a child must be necessary and proportionate, and use of restraint must be recorded. At present, the children’s homes regulations only apply to the use of restraint by staff working within a children’s home. However, we consider that the principles of only using restraint where necessary and for the shortest amount of time possible should be adhered to in all aspects of children’s social care.