Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint

Young people placed with supported lodgings hosts should be matched accordingly and should not be managing behavioural issues which may be better met in a children’s home or foster placement. However, things can change which mean that supported lodgings hosts need to be able to respond positively to each young person’s individual behaviour and to be skilled at both diffusing difficult situations and avoiding situations escalating. The Placement Plan must set out any specific behavioural issues that need to be addressed or approaches to be used.

The supported lodgings Service promotes a positive culture which minimises any restrictive practice. However in exceptional circumstances restraint may be necessary. Restraint must be used only in strict accordance with the legislative framework and the Service policy to protect the young person and those around them.

No form of corporal punishment can be used on any young person by a host or a member of their household, and no young person can be subject to any excessive or unreasonable measure of control, restraint or discipline. Restraint should only be used in exceptional circumstances where it is the only appropriate means to prevent likely injury to the young person or other people, or likely serious damage to property, and in a manner consistent with the actions of any good parent. The use of restraint must be reasonable, proportionate and with the minimum of force.

Wherever possible supported lodgings hosts should use constructive dialogue with the young person or guide them away from a confrontational situation. They should also have an understanding of their own emotional response to a confrontation or threat, and know when to withdraw, concede or seek help.

Hosts should not put themselves at risk of injury and if necessary telephone the police.

Hosts should inform the young person that they have sent for help. Until assistance arrives, hosts should continue to attempt to defuse the situation orally and try to prevent the situation from escalating or leave until help has arrived.

All incidents must be reviewed, recorded and monitored and the views of the young person sought, and understood. Consideration should be given to the impact the intervention had on the young person, why this was the right intervention, and what can be done to reduce the need for such an approach in the future.

See also Positive and Proactive Care: Reducing the Need for Restrictive Interventions - Department of Health and Social Care

The supported lodgings Service has a clear written policy about acceptable measures of restraint. All supported lodgings hosts will be made aware of the policy and must apply it at all times.

See: Local information (Local Resources).

Supported lodgings hosts will be provided with appropriate training and development, including an understanding of the young person’s issues if there are risks around behaviour.