ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
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againstrestraint.com
ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
@againstrestraint.com
4.9K followers 3K following 440 posts
Family, survivor and neurodivergent led advocacy to end restraint, seclusion and institutional abuses of children. #AgainstRestraint #SICAA SICAA Coalition.
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againstrestraint.com
If no one objects, an English child will die from restraint in a school. Another will live with lifelong trauma from isolation and seclusion.
Silence protects systems, not children.
Speaking out is not chaos, it’s conscience.
#AgainstRestraint #PandemicOfPunishment #ShineOnMax
A silhouetted figure stands in a dark, misty scene holding a protest sign with the ICARS logo that reads “International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion.” The light behind them creates a halo effect, emphasizing the act of protest. Below, a quote from Clarence Darrow reads: “As long as the world shall last, there will be wrongs, and if no man objected and no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever.” The hashtag #AgainstRestraint appears in the corner.
October 26, 2025 at 12:50 PM
againstrestraint.com
Just over a week to go!

We’re looking forward to presenting “Held Down, Held Back: Restraint and Seclusion in England’s Schools” for Lives in the Balance with Dr. Ross Greene on October 21, 2025.

It’s free to attend, can sign up here: tinyurl.com/2sadbes7 @livesinthebalance.bsky.social #CMHAC25
A dimly lit classroom shows several students seated at desks, facing forward. In the foreground, a young boy in a school uniform sits apart from his peers with his head bowed. His outline glows faintly in ICARS orange, highlighting his isolation and distress. A shadowed teacher figure stands at the front of the room. The slide text reads: “HELD DOWN, HELD BACK — Restraint and Seclusion in England’s Schools.” Logos for Lives in the Balance and ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) appear in the lower corners, with the caption: “Lives in the Balance — Children’s Mental Health Advocacy Conference 2025.”
October 12, 2025 at 11:33 PM
againstrestraint.com
Has your child faced removal, isolation, or seclusion in an English school? Share your story in our anonymous survey. Link in comments. #AgainstRestraint
September 16, 2025 at 12:31 PM
againstrestraint.com
To all the advocates, our friends and coalition partners: most of the real work does not happen on social media or in the spotlight.
Over the Labor Day weekend, while many paused to rest, you kept going.
With state legislative sessions about to open, the work continues, in the strategy calls ..
A committee hearing room is shown with a wooden podium and a black gooseneck microphone in the foreground, set up for testimony. A paper with highlighted text rests on the podium. In the background, blurred figures of attendees sit in rows. Overlaid white text reads: “No amount of noise can silence the truth of advocacy.” The ICARS logo and hashtag #AgainstRestraint appear in the bottom left corner.
August 30, 2025 at 4:37 PM
againstrestraint.com
Advocacy is the bridge between injustice and action. It transforms silence into voice and resistance into change. #AgainstRestraint
A silhouette of a woman speaking at a podium outdoors with a blurred audience in the background. Bold white text over the image reads: “Advocacy is the bridge between injustice and action.” ICARS orange and black circular logo is in the bottom left corner.
August 30, 2025 at 1:26 AM
againstrestraint.com
Advocacy needs leaders.

Those who lead create change. Those who follow only echo it.

Be the one who lights the path, not the one walking in someone else’s shadow.

Choose to lead. 🧡
A graphic with a white background and light gray butterfly silhouettes. The text reads: “In advocacy, originality leaves a legacy. Imitation fades into noise. Choose legacy.” At the bottom left is the ICARS logo in orange, black, and white. In the bottom right corner is the hashtag #AgainstRestraint.
August 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
againstrestraint.com
We warned them. They ignored it. Children continue to suffer.

In April 2025, ICARS sent a 6-page evidence submission to the Equality and Human Rights Commission calling for an investigation into the Witherslack Group. A thread 🧵
ChatGPT said: Alt text: "Letterhead of ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) with logo in the top right corner. Addressed to the Equality and Human Rights Commission at Arndale House, Manchester, dated Wednesday 23 April 2025. Subject: Request for Investigation into Alleged Abuse and Equality Failures in Witherslack Group Settings. The letter requests an urgent and formal investigation into allegations of abuse, neglect, and discriminatory treatment of disabled children and young people in Witherslack Group educational and residential settings."
August 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
againstrestraint.com
“It was uncomfortable and painful. I was scared.”

Former pupil describes long, repeated restraints and watching classmates scream in pain at Bramley Hill School run by the Witherslack Group.
@theipaper.com @kijcooper1973.bsky.social
#AgainstRestraint
Quote graphic with a purple background and faint overlay of restraint images. Text reads: “‘It was uncomfortable and painful. I was scared,’ said an ex-pupil, now aged 13. The child, who is autistic, attended the school from 2019 to December 2023 and says she was ‘restrained a lot, sometimes for 30 minutes’ after the Witherslack Group took over Bramley Hill. ‘I saw children being pinned down on benches,’ she said. ‘They would be screaming, “Get off me you’re hurting me.” It made me feel annoyed and anxious.’” Below, in smaller text: “‘SEND pupils “injured by staff” at UK school owned by Abu Dhabi royal family’ – i Paper, August 12, 2025.” The ICARS logo is in the lower left corner, and The i Paper logo is in the lower right corner.
August 12, 2025 at 10:49 AM
againstrestraint.com
“Two people grabbed my arms and dragged me — that was the worst.”

10-year-old recounts restraint at taxpayer-funded special school run by Witherslack Group.
#AgainstRestraint
@kijcooper1973.bsky.social @theipaper.com #AgainstRestraint
Quote graphic with a dark brown background and faint overlay of restraint images. Text reads: “When it was two people grabbing my arms and dragging me was the worst,” Dorian, now 10, told The i Paper. “They need to leave me alone to let me calm down, but they wouldn’t listen.” Below, in smaller text: “SEND pupils 'injured by staff' at UK school owned by Abu Dhabi royal family – i Paper, August 12, 2025.” The ICARS logo is in the lower left corner, and The i Paper logo is in the lower right corner.
August 12, 2025 at 10:26 AM
againstrestraint.com
“Daily restraint. Head slammed to the floor.”

Mother demands closure of taxpayer-funded special school run by Abu Dhabi-owned Witherslack Group. @kijcooper1973.bsky.social @theipaper.com inews.co.uk/news/send-pu...
Quote graphic with an orange background and faint overlay of restraint images. Text reads: “My daughter is physically restrained daily,” a mother of a Bramley Hill autistic pupil, who is aged 10, said. “It should be used as a last resort. Her head had been slammed against a floor a few weeks ago. I am consulting with lawyers to take legal action. I am not doing this for the compensation… I want the school closed down.” Below, in smaller text: “SEND pupils 'injured by staff' at UK school owned by Abu Dhabi royal family – i Paper, August 12, 2025.” The ICARS logo is in the lower left, and The i Paper logo is in the lower right.
August 12, 2025 at 9:57 AM
againstrestraint.com
This DeafBlind Awareness Week (23–29 June 2025), we honour the DeafBlind community.

DeafBlindness is a distinct experience, with unique ways of navigating, connecting, and engaging with the world.

Access, support, and dignity matter.

#DeafBlindAwarenessWeek #DBAW25
Digital illustration for DeafBlind Awareness Week, featuring two silhouetted figures in dark green using tactile sign language against a stylized green and blue landscape. A large blue speech bubble reads "DEAFBLIND AWARENESS WEEK." The ICARS logo appears in the top right corner. At the bottom, white text reads "23rd June – 29th June 2025" followed by hashtags "#DEAFBLINDAWARENESSWEEK" and "#DBAW25".
June 25, 2025 at 5:01 PM
againstrestraint.com
🧵What Counts as "Reasonable Force" in England's Schools?

This English school’s behaviour policy admits there’s no legal definition of “reasonable force” as we have cited over and over. Yet staff are expected to know when and how to use it in what would constitute a “serious incident.”
A screenshot of a English school policy document titled "THE USE OF REASONABLE FORCE DURING A SERIOUS INCIDENT." The policy states that there is no legal definition of reasonable force, making it difficult to specify when and how much force may be used. It emphasizes that use of force should be a last resort, using only the minimum necessary. The stated priority is the safety of pupils and staff, and all incidents must be logged in the SIMS system. The page number "11" appears at the bottom.
June 2, 2025 at 4:54 PM
againstrestraint.com
🧵 In an English classroom governed by rigid behaviour policies, a child’s distress is overlooked, not because no one sees her, but because the system doesn't allow space for understanding it. Her torn drawing is more than sadness, it’s the fallout of punitive behaviour policies 👇 #AgainstRestraint
April 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
againstrestraint.com
Life-threatening restraints are still allowed in England’s schools.
What is allowed for "good order and discipline" leaves disabled children in danger. There is no real safety net — only risk. #AgainstRestraint
A symbolic image set inside a British school gym. Children in school uniforms lie motionless on the gym floor beneath a raised safety net made of rope. One child lies face down on the net above them, appearing vulnerable. The net is stretched tight but provides no visible protection. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the traditional school setting. Overlaid text reads: “There is no safety net when restraint can kill.” The image is branded with the ICARS logo — International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
April 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
againstrestraint.com
In England, “good order and discipline” are used to justify restraint, seclusion / isolation. Disabled children are harmed — not helped — by this abuse of power. Manifestation of disability is not bad behaviour. #AgainstRestraint
A young child in a school uniform sits silently inside a transparent, cage-like box in a dimly lit classroom. Light streams in from a high window, casting dramatic shadows. In the background, an adult male in a suit appears to be yelling, his face contorted in anger and his hands raised. Other children sit quietly at desks. The child in the box looks emotionally shut down and isolated. The ICARS logo (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) is visible in the lower-left corner. The image powerfully symbolizes the emotional trauma and discrimination disabled children face through restraint and seclusion practices in educational settings.
April 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
againstrestraint.com
🌍♾️ It’s World Autism Acceptance Day 2025.
At ICARS, we stand for acceptance, not just awareness — and we do NOT use puzzle pieces. We proudly use the red and gold infinity symbols instead.
🔴 Red: Autistic pride, power, and self-advocacy
💛 Gold: "Au" = Autism = valuable, brilliant, worthy 🧵
April 2, 2025 at 6:01 PM
againstrestraint.com
Behind every hold, there’s a child.
A family.
A story that deserves to be heard.

Join us in April to uncover #WhatsBehindTheHold and advocate for a safer future for every child.
#AgainstRestraint
A young boy in school uniform sits alone, head lowered and knees drawn to chest, inside a padded isolation room. Bold white text reads: "Behind every hold, there’s a child. A family. A story that deserves to be heard." Bottom left corner shows hashtags #WhatsBehindTheHold and #AgainstRestraint. Bottom right displays the ICARS logo.
March 29, 2025 at 9:06 PM
againstrestraint.com
If harm keeps happening, it’s not a system that’s broken — it’s a system working exactly as designed.
Restraint and seclusion aren’t accidental. They’re embedded.
Time to dismantle the machine.
🧡 #WhatsBehindTheHold #AgainstRestraint
Graphic with a large white gear icon and the quote: “When the harm continues, it’s not a failure — it’s a feature.” The background is a bold geometric design in shades of dark gray, cream, and orange. The ICARS logo is in the bottom left, and hashtags #WhatsBehindTheHold and #AgainstRestraint are in the bottom right.
March 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
againstrestraint.com
Coming April 2025: The “What’s Behind the Hold” Survey
We’re calling on families in England to share their lived experience of the training behind restraint and seclusion in English schools.
Because behind every hold, there’s a child
A family
A story that deserves to be heard
#WhatsBehindTheHold
graphic of a smartphone held in a hand. On the phone screen, bold black text on an orange background reads: “WHAT’S BEHIND THE HOLD?” A silhouette of a child's arm in a restraint extends into the frame. Below, the Instagram interface is visible with a caption that repeats the title and a visible QR code. The ICARS logo appears at the top corner of the phone screen.
March 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
againstrestraint.com
If these restraint techniques are “safe,” why is this English Multi Academy Trust monitoring children’s breathing during use? This shows the risk to life for the disabled and neurodivergent children they’re used on.
When breathing must be monitored, safety is already compromised.
#AgainstRestraint
A behaviour policy document from an England Multi Academy Trust. It lists physical restraint techniques under "Positive handling strategies" including "Caring C Guide," "Friendly Escort," "Single Elbow," "Figure of four," "Double Elbow," "Wrap on floor," "Seated Wrap," "Half Shield," and others. Below the list, there is a highlighted section labeled “Breathing Monitored” next to a field for recording the number of staff involved. The ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) logo appears in the bottom-right corner.
March 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
againstrestraint.com
The T-wrap hold was removed from training in 2020.
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
A graphic featuring a photograph of a UK parliamentary-style setting with three suited individuals seated behind a green leather-topped table. In the foreground is a sign reading "SELECT COMMITTEE" next to papers, a notebook, and a glass of water. Overlaid text reads “Accreditation does not mean safety.” The ICARS logo, orange and black with hazard striping, is placed in the lower-right corner.
March 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
againstrestraint.com
From the Irish Joint Committee on Disability Matters:
"Behavioural interventionist therapies... cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity, and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment." #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Graphic featuring a quote from the Irish Joint Committee on Disability Matters report, overlaid on the report’s cover design with the ICARS logo in the bottom right corner. The quote reads: “Behavioural interventionist therapies are ultimately founded on modifying disabled people's behaviour to meet goals decided by others; … therefore the Committee believe cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment.” Text below the quote reads: “Aligning Disability Services with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – February 2023.
March 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM
againstrestraint.com
Let’s be clear.
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is not for neurodivergent students who do not have a learning disability.
So why are millions in taxpayer money being spent to train as many schools as possible in PBS ?
#RevenueForRestraint #WhatsBehindTheHold
A social media graphic featuring ICARS branding and a modern abstract background in black, orange, gray, and white. The center contains a rounded cream colored text box with the quote: “PBS... is not intended for persons identifying as neurodivergent who do not have a learning disability.” – (State of the Nation Report, 2022). The bottom of the graphic includes stylized social media icons (heart, paper plane, bookmark, Instagram, Facebook, star, thumbs up), and two small ICARS logos are visible — one at the top and one in the lower left corner
March 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
againstrestraint.com
🌍💡 Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025!
Assistive technology empowers disabled individuals by breaking down barriers to communication, education, and independence. From AAC devices to mobility aids, these innovations are essential in creating a more equitable world
Digital illustration celebrating National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025. The image features a person using a wheelchair, engaging with a tablet device, and interacting with digital content on a large screen in the background. Icons for communication, including a phone, email, and heart symbol, float nearby. The design incorporates warm orange and dark gray tones. The ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) logo is displayed in the top left corner. Bold orange text at the bottom reads "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025."
March 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
againstrestraint.com
🚨 Take a stand today! 🚨
Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry is still harming children—we all have a collective responsibility to protect them. #SB297 brings real oversight and protections, but your voice is needed now! Sign the letter before tomorrow’s hearing to push for change. 👉 t.co/CWghYbGO5c
A tweet from Paris Hilton calling for urgent action to protect children in Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry. The tweet highlights Senate Bill 297 (#SB297), which strengthens protections and oversight. Paris urges supporters to sign a letter before an upcoming hearing. The tweet includes a link to a Google form for signing the letter and tags @1111MediaImpact. A preview of the Google form is visible, titled “Support Utah SB297,” explaining the importance of the bill.
March 3, 2025 at 10:45 PM