19499 - Control and restraint of adults or children in the pre-departure family accommodation unit at Pease Pottage, Sussex.
We have received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the following: 1. Information on whether restraint techniques have…
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We have received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the following:
1. Information on whether restraint techniques have been approved for use to control and restrain adults or children in the pre-departure family accommodation unit at Pease Pottage, Sussex.
2. Which official inspection agencies or bodies will be able to inspect the facility?”
3. What discussions have been held with HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in relation to the accommodation.”
We released the following information on 23 August 2011.
1. UKBA and partners from G4S and Barnardo’s will be working very closely with families who pass through the pre-departure accommodation, to ensure they comply with a requirement to leave the UK. We will only physically intervene to make them leave as a matter of absolute last resort where all reasonable efforts to persuade them to comply have not been successful. Only G4S staff will apply restraint, using techniques which are developed by the National Offender Management Service.
2. An Independent Monitoring Board is being appointed, providing unrestricted access to the facility and residents. The accommodation will also be subject to both announced and inspection visits by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP), who already inspects our other short-term holding facilities. The Children’s Commissioner will also have a right of entry and inspection.
3. HMCIP have been kept informed of the development of the accommodation and arrangements are being made for the inspectorate to visit as soon as possible.