Restraint and seclusion of people on compulsorytreatment orders in Victoria, Australia in 2008-2009

In Victoria, people with an intellectual disability who have shown behaviour that is a significant risk of serious harm to others may be detained within government-funded disability accommodation by either a court or civil order. The aim of such orders is both to protect the public and at the same time provide treatment to the person with a disability, so that the person will be able to return to live more independently within the community. Little is known about the characteristics or use of restraint and seclusion with this particular group. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine this group's characteristics and compare the use of restraint and seclusion to other people with an intellectual disability who were subjected to restraint and seclusion, but not detained. The practice and policy implications of the results are discussed from an nterdisciplinary perspective with recommendations for professionals working in the field. © 2010 The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.