HIQA finds child was handcuffed to staff member in Dublin detention centre

Up to seven members of staff were involved in an incident in a children's care home in which a child was handcuffed to restrain them.

The incident is documented in a HIQA inspection report into Trinity House and Oberstown boys and girls detention centres in Dublin, all of which are located on the one premises. The centres cater for young offenders aged from 10 to 17.

The inspection report finds that the detention was "all over the place" and a staff member was injured in the process.

This HIQA report into the facilities shows they complied with just 1 standard out of 10 which were assessed, and one third of staff did not have up to date training in behaviour management, and not all were trained in how to assess a child for referral to clinical services.

It also describes the outcome for the child as poor and said handcuffs should not be used on the campus.

Overall the report identifies significant risks in three areas: young people, health, staffing and management.