Website of the Department of Health

Guidance for restrictive physical interventions: How to provide safe services for people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder

This guidance document is issued jointly by Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills, under section 7 of the LASSL Act 1970. It focuses on the need for provider agencies to have effective policies, procedures and training for staff who work with people who may have behavioural episodes where restrictive physical intervention is necessary for their safety and the safety of others. It promotes the concept of including potential strategies and actions in care plans, to help staff and people who use services deal effectively with such episodes. It emphasises training and in using training organisations who have the expertise and experience to provide for this sector.