Communicating with Parents and Carers After a Physical Intervention

We work in complex environments, supporting individuals with a diverse range of needs. And while our focus should always be on de-escalation when it comes to behaviour support, there may be occasions when it is reasonable, proportionate and necessary to use a physical intervention in order to keep everyone safe.

What do we mean by ‘physical intervention’?

A physical intervention means guiding or moving a person away from a situation, or holding them, to keep them and others around them safe. It can be as simple as holding their hand, linking arms or touching their shoulder. These sorts of measures are often enough to allow the situation to be de-escalated successfully, without further intervention.

Sometimes, however, if there is an immediate risk of serious harm or injury, we may need to use restraint or other restrictive practices to ensure everyone’s safety.

Any physical intervention should always be used as a last resort, when it is considered necessary to reduce risk that cannot be managed in any other way.

Impact of a using a physical intervention

The use of a physical intervention can be upsetting for everyone: the individual themselves, the staff member or members directly involved, and others who may have witnessed the incident. It can be deeply unsettling and can sometimes leave emotional and physical scars, both in the short- and long-term. It is vital to address these potential repercussions within a wider, positive culture of post-incident reflection and repair.

Read our article, Creating an Environment for Post-Incident Support.

Implications for parents and carers

We also need to bear in mind how distressing it can be for parents and carers to find out that a physical intervention has been used to support their loved one. Even the least restrictive options can leave them feeling angry, worried or confused. Without all the facts at their fingertips, they may not fully understand why this course of action was necessary, or what will happen in future to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

If we fail to communicate clearly with parents and carers following the use of a physical intervention, we risk destroying trust and damaging the relationship we have with them. They may not feel comfortable to entrust their loved one into our care and may be left feeling suspicious of any future actions we take as staff.

To ensure transparency and preserve relationships, both with individuals and with their parents and carers, we need to ensure we have clear, systematic processes in place following the use of any type of physical intervention.

Watch our webinar recording, Improving Family Engagement Around Behaviour in Schools.