ICO: physical restraint methods used against children should be made public

Press release
7 Jan 2010

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has decided that it is in the public interest to disclose details about the methods used to restrain children and young people in secure training centres. The restraint methods include so-called distraction techniques which can involve deliberately inflicting pain on children.

Given the level of debate and controversy surrounding the use of physical restraint, on both legal and ethical grounds, and the evidence that these techniques can result in physical harm, the Assistant Information Commissioner, Gerrard Tracey, decided there is a significant public interest in releasing the manual in full.

Full ICO press release.
ICO decision notice FS50173181 Youth Justice Board for England and Wales

See also 'Release of secret child punishment manual ordered', The Guardian 10/1/2010