Scenario

Alice, 14, has mental health issues. She lives with her dad and has regular breaks in a residential children’s home. The home informs Alice’s dad of any incidents where Alice has hit staff or young people. Alice tells her dad that when this happens, she is not allowed to phone him afterwards and this upsets her.

Action

Alice’s social worker uses guidance on the short-term management of violence and aggression in mental health, health and community settings to plan a review meeting with Alice, her dad and the care home manager. The plan includes good practice in terms of not using restrictions on contacting family as a punishment.

Further guidance

The guidance includes recommendations on de-escalation and appropriate restrictive interventions for children and young people.

Relevant resources

Guidelines

Quality standards