Ban on pain restraint techniques for children in custody: NSPCC responds
NSPCC logo for press releases
Thursday, 20, Dec 2007 12:00
Media Statement
Date Wednesday 19th December 07
Ban on pain restraint techniques for children in custody: NSPCC responds
The NSPCC welcomes the government’s decision to suspend the use of two dangerous pain restraint techniques on children in custody but the Society is calling on the Government to take the next step and ban them completely.
NSPCC head of policy and public affairs Natalie Cronin said: “For too long, children as young as 12 have been subjected to dangerous, violent and degrading restraint techniques in young offenders’ institutions. It should not be legal for anyone to deliberately inflict pain on a child as a method of restraint.”
In just one year there were over 3000 incidents of dangerous physical restraint in secure training centres which hold a maximum of 240 children at any one time.
The NSPCC is calling on the Government to give youth custody staff training in how to manage children’s behaviour with non violent techniques.
Natalie Cronin continued: “Physical restraint of children in custody should be the exception not the rule and only used when a child is about to harm themselves or others. Staff need to learn techniques that help them diffuse volatile situations without using violence as a method of control.”
Ends
Media office on 020 7825 2904 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625
1 Question from Lord Carlile of Berriew House of Lords debate Wednesday 18th July 2007
Disclaimer:
Press releases published on this page are from key opinion formers who promote their
organisation's activities by subscribing to a campaign site within politics.co.uk.
politics.co.uk does not endorse, edit, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed
on this page. The content of press releases are wholly the responsibility of the
originating company or organisation.