As an ex-teacher from Kerelaw school, I am horrified to read
about the
allegations made against both teachers and care staff. What disturbs
me most is
the fact that Glasgow City Council are taking no responsibility
for the
situation when it is under their 'guidance' that all this has
come about - let
me clarify...
At least during the years I worked there (dates not revealed
in order to protect another innocent person from being falsley
accused), all staff were
instructed to use a system of behaviour management called TCI
(therapeutic
crisis intervention). As well as behaviour management techniques,
this involved
restraining young people as a last resort. However, in the TCI
rules, it is
made very clear that restraint should NOT be used on young people
who have
suffered emotional trauma. Glasgow City Council policy
chose to ignore this and advised staff to use it regardless, and
that they would have the full support of the Council should there
be any comeback. I myself questioned this at TCI training
and following what I considered an extremely inadequate response
refused to participate in the training on how to restrain young
people. During
my employment there I also refused to participate in any restraint
regardless of
the situation. Under the current circumstances, I am glad I did
so.
