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<p>The safety and welfare of young people held in custody is our highest priority,
and we take seriously any incident of restraint of children in the youth secure estate,
including at Medway Secure Training Centre<em> .</em> There are already processes
and mechanisms in place at Medway STC to support Children and Young People following
incidents of restraint that facilitate them to seek legal advice and redress. Every
incident of restraint, including those involving personal safety techniques, is reviewed
by the local Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) co-ordinator. Any serious
injury or warning sign (SIWS) is also appraised by the national team, with any issue
of concern leading to a child protection referral and, potentially, the local authority
and police for investigation.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, the Independent Children’s
Rights and Advocacy Services (ICRAS) at Medway Secure Training Centre is commissioned
to follow and adhere to the legal frameworks of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights to promote the rights
of Children and Young People (CYP). These services support CYP in helping them understand
and exercise their rights throughout their time in custody.</p><p> </p><p>ICRAS has
local protocols in place so that the establishment notifies them as soon as possible
following the first restraint incident. The child will be proactively supported by
an advocate, including discussing whether the child or young person has any concerns
about how or why they were restrained, and whether they wish to make a complaint or
safeguarding referral.</p><p> </p><p>Restraint is only ever to be used in accordance
with the Secure Training Centre Rules 1998 and as a last resort, where there is a
risk of harm, and no other form of intervention is possible or appropriate.</p><p>
</p><p>Charlie Taylor, Chair of the Youth Justice Board but acting in an independent
capacity, has reviewed our policy in relation to pain-inducing techniques. The Government
will respond to his review in the coming weeks.</p>
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