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 460 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
While children across England unwrap presents this Christmas, disabled children are unpacking something else: fear.
The fear of going back to school.

Because for too many disabled children, school isn’t a place of safety or inclusion. #AgainstRestraint
December 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
againstrestraint.com
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and the very best for the year ahead.
This year has asked a lot of many people. Rest matters. Time with loved ones matters.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our community. #AgainstRestraint
Illustrated winter scene with evergreen branches and falling snow. Copper and orange baubles hang from the branches, each displaying the ICARS logo and the words “International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion.” Snowflakes and small star shapes are scattered across the image. Handwritten-style text on the left reads: “Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday period.”
December 19, 2025 at 7:59 PM
againstrestraint.com
Today is a reminder that human rights are not abstract principles. Yet children continue to face institutional abuse including the use of restraint, seclusion, isolation rooms, and compliance systems that violate their dignity and their rights.
A graphic for International Human Rights Day. Three raised fists in black and orange watercolor splashes appear in the center, symbolising resistance and solidarity. At the top, the text reads “10 December 2025” and “#AgainstRestraint.” The ICARS logo is in the upper left corner. At the bottom, bold text reads “International Human Rights Day” in black and orange.
December 10, 2025 at 2:21 PM
againstrestraint.com
🧵Did anyone have “Sir Alan Wood CBE becomes the truth-speaking hero for vulnerable pupils” on their card for 2025 ?
His report into Mossbourne told the truth and finally gives voice to children and families across England who have faced the same harms and been dismissed and ignored.
A comic-style illustration of a superhero character inspired by Sir Alan Wood CBE. He stands confidently against an orange sunset sky, wearing a blue suit with a red cape and a chest emblem reading “EVIDENCE.” At the bottom, white text reads “THE EVIDENCE SPEAKS AWARD 2025 – Sir Alan Wood CBE.” The ICARS logo appears in the lower right corner, and orange borders frame the image on the left and right.
December 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
againstrestraint.com
They have taken stories that were ignored, dismissed, or minimized and brought them into national view with accuracy, care, and persistence. They asked hard questions, listened to families, examined evidence, and refused to soften the truth for the comfort of institutions.
December 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
againstrestraint.com
📢ICARS Person(s) of the Year 2025 Keith Cooper and Will Stewart 🏆
ICARS is proud to recognise Keith Cooper and Will Stewart
as our Person(s) of the Year for 2025. Their national reporting has reshaped public understanding of the harms faced by disabled children in England’s education system.
December 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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