Physical restraint use - Children’s rights cannot be violated

USING physical restraints to control extremely disturbed children is unacceptable and ought to be severely curtailed by the health authorities.

Deservedly criticised in a strongly-worded report from the Social Services Inspectorate, the practice at a special care facility in north Dublin raises concerns over routine infringements of the rights of children.

Ever since the multi-million, high-support unit at Portrane opened in 2002, the centre for highly troubled children has been dogged by operational problems.