If restrictive physical interventions are used or are likely to be used then there must be safeguards in place to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse. Some of these safeguards include proper staff training about when and how to use restrictive interventions as well as detailed policies and procedures to guide their actions. Every incident of restrictive intervention should be recorded and regularly reviewed by a manager. As mentioned above, all staff be using the least restrictive intervention and physical interventions should only be used as a last resort.

The least restrictive interventions should always be used when dealing with incidents of challenging behaviour. This is because restrictive interventions are invasive to an individual and deprive them of their basic liberties, which is unlawful except in exceptional circumstances.It may also be intimidating and frightening to them especially if they are in a confused state and could escalate the situation further. In addition, it may be necessary to justify any actions taken at a later date. Finally, thinking in terms of the least restrictive intervention creates a good mindset for any challenging behaviour you have to manage in the future.

If a restrictive intervention must be used, it is necessary to contact the service manager. Depending on the situations, the emergency services may need to be contacted (police if a crime has been committed or an ambulance if there are injuries). Social Services and health professionals (e.g. GP, psychologist) may also need to be informed and the family of the individual may also need to be contacted.

Restrictive interventions should ideally not be used at all but the law recognises that on occasion there may be situations where this is necessary. Restrictive interventions should only be used when the individual or somebody else is at risk from harm or to prevent a crime being committed.

Restrictive interventions are any methods that are used to restrict the movement of an individual or limit their freedom to act independently.