Restraint Based on Need

A recent report written by the Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman found the Western Trust approved two special chairs for an autistic child.  The chairs were used in school without properly assessing his needs. And the report said the Trust should also have given the school clearer instructions on how the chairs were to be used.  They were investigating a complaint made by the child’s parent.

The child’s mum, Deidre Shakespeare responded explaining “It’s been a long time coming, with over half of Harry’s life spent fighting a broken system. We’re grateful to NIPSO for conducting a thorough investigation into the misuse of restraint on our little boy. We remain hopeful that the report will be a catalyst to drive the change, this is a pivotal moment for progress. It’s our hope that Harry’s experience will highlight the urgent need for reform and ensure that no other child has to go through what he endured.”

Deirdre and other parents have set up the International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion (ICARS).  Because restraint and seclusion affects children with disabilities in their education at school.  They are campaigning for legislation giving clear rules, oversight and accountability in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, that protect children from restraints, seclusion, neglect and inappropriate discipline in school.  Harry’s Law, named after Deirdre’s son, is intended to make mandatory the reporting of restraints and isolation of a child to parents and the Education Authority.

So what is the NI Public Service Ombudsman (NIPSO)

NIPSO look at complaints about public service providers.  Public service providers are government services for everyone.  And NIPSO hope to help put things right. By making public services better through looking into complaints and writing reports. NIPSO don’t take sides.  But make sure that the rights of people who complain are respected.  Here is an Easy Read which explains more.

And what is Restraint and Seclusion?

A Restrictive Practice is making someone do something they do not want to do or stopping them from doing something they do want to do.  And this can be by restricting or restraining them, or depriving them of their liberty.  So restrictive practices limit a person’s movement, day to day activity or function. And it is something that takes away a person’s rights.

Examples of restrictive practice can include:

• Not giving someone information (like not telling them where they’re going to stop them from resisting)
• Using equipment (like a seatbelt)
• Physically holding someone down
• Giving medication to calm someone (like a sedative)
• Stopping someone from leaving a room

There will be times when a restrictive practice is needed to help a person keep themselves safe and well. But there have been too many examples where restraint and seclusion have been used for the wrong reasons.  And this can cause a lot of upset and trauma to the person who is being restricted. And we feel this is not ok.  We want the use of restrictive practices to reduce.

Minimisation of Restrictive Practice Peer Network

We bring providers who offer services and supports to people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs together.  And we help them to share examples of good practice and work together to make things better.  One of the ways we do this is through Peer Networks.

Our Minimisation of Restrictive Practice Peer Network began in April 2024 for social care providers.