Restraint and seclusion in mental health contexts

Date: 28th September 2026
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

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Deadline: 29^th October 2026

Scottish Government is consulting on proposed changes to Volume 1 of the Code of Practice made under section 274 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. These changes would focus specifically on use of restraint and seclusion.

The consultation seeks views on the addition of a new chapter to the Code of Practice “to support safe and rights-based practice when restraint and seclusion are used”. The consultation also seeks views on updates that will focus on cross-border transfers and excessive security.

Launching the consultation, Scottish Government noted that the use of restraint and seclusion on children and young people has become an are of increasing concern. It also recognised the entry into force of the UNCRC Act, and the disproportionate use of restraint autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

Access the consultation: Updates to the Code of Practice for the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003