Board warns over use of restraint

Physical restraint of young people in custody should be used only
as a last resort, according to a draft code of practice.

The Youth Justice Board document states that restraint should
involve minimum force for the shortest possible time.

It suggests monitoring incidents and recommends that several staff
should be present when a person is restrained. It says each
establishment should have a complaints procedure and children
should have access to independent advocacy.

A second independent inquiry into restraint was launched last
September by the Howard League for Penal Reform following the case
of Gareth Myatt, 15, who died after being restrained by three staff
at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre, Northampton.

The draft code is available at www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk