At Handcrafted, we are dedicated to supporting our staff and service users in line with our Christian ethos and values. We recognise that maintaining positive behaviour is key to safeguarding young people and creating a safe, nurturing environment.

This policy outlines the principles, permitted sanctions, prohibited measures, and use of physical interventions that guide behaviour management at Handcrafted, ensuring staff support young people appropriately and effectively.

This policy will be reviewed as required and at least annually by the group or individual responsible for review and authorised by the Trustees as below:

Group or individual responsible for review	The Safeguarding Steering Group
Last review and approval	16/10/2024

Overview

It is unreasonable to expect young people not to misbehave from time to time. Whether it is temper tantrums or direct challenges to a staff member’s authority, there will always be times when staff need to employ the use of control and discipline. Good order is necessary to enable young people to develop in a safe and secure environment.

This policy provides a framework for promoting and managing positive behaviour while protecting young people and staff alike.

Support given to a child must ensure that the child is safeguarded, protected, and that their welfare is paramount. Children in Care may express difficult emotions through behaviour. They also need opportunities to learn positive coping strategies for their future.

Context

Children living in care may not respond to discipline in the same way as others due to:

Experiences leading to low self-esteem
Accustomedness to punishment
Difficulty using intrinsic or social rewards
Difficulty maintaining motivation and relationships

Every young person is different and management strategies need to be individualised and adapted over time.

Principles

Guiding principles for staff:

Focus on an asset-based approach, praising good behaviour
Adopt a non-confrontational approach
Establish relationships based on mutual respect
Establish consistent and explicit house rules
Appreciate past life experiences
Use sanctions appropriately and not routinely
Receive relevant training
Work within a multi-agency context
Enable the child to express wishes and feelings

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Support workers will:

Encourage socially acceptable behaviour
Help young people recognise consequences of behaviour
Develop positive coping strategies
Recognise feelings and their impacts
Build relationships, motivation, and self-worth
Assist in developing resilience and self-control

Environment

Support workers will:

Be positive role models
Praise and reward positive behaviour
Encourage mutual respect
Ensure all young people feel valued

The team will:

Regularly review management strategies
Use a range of approaches
Balance praise and constructive criticism
Suggest positive changes positively
Ensure rewards and sanctions are fair and effective

Permitted Sanctions

Understanding trauma is essential. Responses aim to reduce behaviours positively and consistently. Permitted actions include:

Disapproval: Must be time-limited and non-isolating
Verbal Reprimand: Without intimidation or threats
Time Out: As a calming down period

Prohibited Measures

The following are strictly prohibited:

Corporal punishment
Deprivation of food or drink
Refusal or restriction of contact
Requirement to wear distinctive clothing (except school uniform)
Withholding medication or medical treatment
Locking in or confinement
Deprivation of sleep

Staff must use tailored behaviour management. Difficult behaviours (e.g., self-harming, aggression) should be managed primarily by rewarding acceptable behaviour. Support from other agencies is encouraged.

Positive Handling and Restrictive Physical Interventions

Staff must exercise their legal "duty of care." Physical intervention may be appropriate to prevent harm.

Positive Handling (Non-Restrictive)

Touching: Normal parental affection (hug, hand on shoulder), used with caution
Holding: Brief guidance to divert behaviour (e.g., hand on arm)
Obstructing: Physically placing oneself to prevent movement (without touch)

Any intervention must be justifiable, appropriate, enhance safety, and consider individual needs. Written records must be made, and social workers informed.

Restrictive Physical Intervention (Restraint)

Handcrafted staff are not trained in restraint. If escalation occurs and danger is present, emergency services must be contacted.

Behaviour Management Plan

This plan:

Sets out known behaviours, triggers, agreed strategies, and recording arrangements
Must be agreed with young people where possible
Reviewed regularly
Informs Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plans

Staff training needs identified in supervision will be addressed appropriately.

Appendix 1 - Essential Required Good Practice Relating to Physical Intervention

Physical intervention principles:

Use dependent on age, competence, and risks
Guided by risk assessments and behaviour management plans
Preceded by verbal instructions and attempts to calm
Never used as a general regime

Touching

Provide comfort (e.g., hug, arm on shoulder) cautiously
Avoid touching that could be misinterpreted

Holding

Hand placed on arm/shoulder or guiding by hand/back
Used to divert from destructive behaviour
Explain actions clearly to young people

Staff must cease holding if a young person objects or resists. Concerns should be discussed with a manager or supervising social worker.

Appendix 2 - Behaviour Management Plan

All children placed in residential care should have a Behaviour Management Plan addressing:

Absenting behaviour
Anxiety or withdrawal
Bullying
Challenging behaviour
Drug or substance misuse
Lack of personal safety awareness
Offending behaviour
Prostitution
Self-harming behaviour
Sexually exploitative/inappropriate behaviour
Violence or aggression

Plans must:

Summarise behaviours of concern
Outline staff strategies
Be incorporated into risk management plans
Be shared across agencies to ensure consistency