Written question asked by Baroness Stern (Crossbench) on Thursday, 6 July 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2017. It was answered by Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 July 2017 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Young Offenders: Restraint Techniques

Question: Her Majesty's Government whether the Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint techniques were adapted for use on younger and smaller children, prior to escort custody officers being trained and authorised to use them on children travelling to and from secure training centres and secure children's homes.

Answer: Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) has been specifically developed for use by staff working with children and young people in custody. It has been designed so that physical restraint is avoided as far as possible by recognising young people’s behaviour, and by using a range of de-escalation, diversion and behaviour management techniques to help them deal with it effectively and appropriately. MMPR was initially used in secure training centres, and is now being operationally used by the Youth Justice Board’s secure escort provider, who escort children to and from court, secure training centres, and secure children’s homes.

Secondary information