HL Deb 17 May 2004 vol 661 cc61-2WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many children were injured during the use of control and restraint procedures in penal institutions during 2003. [HL2589]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Statistical information on injuries is not collected centrally, but the Youth Justice Board has been reviewing the use of physical restraint procedures and the National Children's Bureau recently produced a report for the board on the use of physical intervention within the juvenile secure estate. The board is currently drawing up a code of practice on the use of physical restraint, which it is intended will apply in all establishments holding young people under 18. The board is also planning to review the techniques that are used in establishments, in the light of the tragic death of Gareth Myatt at Rainsbrook on 19 April.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How often the Prison Service reviews the use of restraint techniques and solitary confinement for children in penal institutions. [HL2590]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Prison Service has recently been reviewing its restraint and separation policies and procedures for juveniles in its custody. It is developing new restraint techniques, and will test and evaluate them and take account of wider Youth Justice Board work on juvenile restraint techniques before deciding whether to introduce them across the Prison Service juvenile estate.

Separation is used as a last resort, when all other methods have been exhausted. The latest guidance is in a new Prison Service Order (PSO 1700), which came into force in November 2003. The aim is to provide any young person who needs to be separated with appropriate interventions that will enable him or her to return to normal accommodation as soon as possible.